Robert Randolph & The Family Band

Robert Randolph & The Family Band, a multicultural American blues and funk band, makes its Geneva debut at the Smith Opera House.

Randolph's own group, the Family Band, includes cousins Danyell Morgan and Marcus Randolph (bass and drums, respectively) and John Ginty (Hammond B-3 organ). The band's career began with opening gigs for a variety of blues, jazz-funk, and jam bands such as the Derek Trucks Band, Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, and Soulive; headlining gigs became the norm within a few months' time. Robert Randolph & the Family Band released "Live at the Wetlands" in fall 2001, capturing the band's live performance at the legendary Wetlands venue shortly before it closed. The group's studio debut, "Unclassified," followed in 2003 and introduced Randolph to an even wider audience. One new fan was veteran guitarist Eric Clapton, who brought the band out on tour and appeared on Robert Randolph's third release, "Colorblind," in 2006.

The group’s sound is inspired by successful 1970s funk bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Sly & the Family Stone, another multicultural band comprised of former members of the Church of God in Christ. Randolph himself has also stated that his main influence as a guitarist is Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Although he has only put out two studio albums, Rolling Stone magazine named Randolph as one of the 100 greatest guitar players of all time.