Roosevelt Collier will be at Heist Brewery’s Canteen Room this Thursday, October 26 on his way to his home state of Florida for Suwannee Hulaween. Growing up in the House of God Church, Rosie quickly mastered the Lap and Pedal Steel Guitars and began playing in The Lee Boys with his uncles and cousins. A commanding presence, seated front and center, he transcends genre- creating a fusion of blues, rock, gospel, and funky, swampy goodness.

These days you can find him touring with his band or as an artist-at-large at festivals across the country- including over ten appearances on Jam Cruise. Collier set a record on the boat this year by hosting a four-hour jam session into the early morning. “When I host a jam room, I invite EVERYONE to come get some of this funk in ya life,” he recalls. The invitation, no doubt, extends to his show on Thursday.

This year has been a notable one for Collier. He welcomed his debut album, Exit 16, on Snarky Puppy’s GroundUp record label. The tracks, recorded in marathon sessions over just three days, were produced by Snarky’s own Michael League and feature League on bass, JT Thomas on Drums and Bobby Sparks on Organ.

Rosie says of his time in the studio: “Recording the record in 3 days was crazy and filled with so many musical moments that fans can only imagine. Being locked in the studio for 3 days- craziness starts to take place.” The album is a perfect example of Collier’s diverse palate- offering heavy-hitting funk like the title track, danceable shuffle grooves like “Happy Feet,” and nods to his spiritual connection with the sacred steel like “Supernatural Encounters.”

Come out on Thursday to find out why bands like the Allman Brothers, The String Cheese Incident, Buddy Guy, Umphrey’s McGee, Los Lobos, Robert Randolph, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and the Del McCoury Band, among countless others have welcomed Rosie to the stage!

Debut album from GroundUp Music — Exit 16