Virginia-based sextet The Pat McGee Band has developed an outstanding bluegrass sound since its formation in 1996. The band’s first CD, “Revel,” was released in 1997, for which the band won “Best Rock / Pop Group” and “Best Rock / Pop Recording” in 1997. The Pat McGee Band was influenced by such musical geniuses as Bruce Springsteen, he Beatles and Crosby, Stills and Nash. The band independently sold 100,000 copies of three self-produced CD’s (including “Revel”) before landing a record label. By the end of 1999, The Pat McGee Band signed a recording contract with Giant Records, a joint contract with Warner Brothers. Under this label, they produced their major debut album, “Shine,” including hit single “Rebecca” that scaled the charts in 2001.

The band has toured with such big-name bands as the Allman Brothers, Sister Hazel, Barenaked Ladies and Shawn Mullins. They have since opened for bands such as the Wallflowers, Fleetwood Mac, Counting Crows and James Taylor. The Pat McGee Band craze has stormed college campuses across the East Coast. This Saturday, they can be heard as one of the bands in the Novafest lineup. Their music is a cross of bluegrass, folk and acoustic rock, giving the band an almost laid-back Dave Matthews Band feel. Be sure to stop by and hear them play at Novafest. It will be an excellent performance.