When the Stacy Mitchhart Band throws down, it goes all out. Recently the Blue Rooster hosted the six-piece band’s show at the newly renovated venue on Murfreesboro’s historic downtown square. To say the least, I was blown away.

The band has been around since the ’90s under the name Stacy Mitchhart’s Blues You Can Use, but recently the name has been changed to simply, Stacy Mitchhart Band. After seeing the band live, it’s easy to see why.

Though the songs are saturated in blues influence, the set would be Sly and the Family Stone-style funk one song and soft rock ballad the next. It was impressive to see a band flow through so many different styles so naturally. The set even included a couple of Stevie Ray Vaughn covers as well as a cover of Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” which the keyboardist went nuts on.

All six members showed off unprecedented skill on their instruments, and watching them play off of each other was remarkable. The bass was driving, the drums were tight, the keys were lively and the brass players swapped solos, each more riveting than the one before. As for the big guy, Mr. Mitchhart himself, he not only played the guitar with his hands, but with his teeth, tongue and feet. The man knows how to work up a crowd. I just sat in the back and drank my drafts and watched the band. I didn’t really talk to anyone, nor did I want to. People were dancing, laughing, screaming, hugging and kissing. As the band played a lively set, the crowd tossed back drinks and danced off the frustrations of the work week, feeling completely free.

Onstage Mitchhart was all smiles?one could tell he loved what he was doing. Look for the band back at the Rooster on March 6.

For more info, visit stacymitchhart.com.

IF YOU GO:

WHEN: Fri., March 6