Squeezing its way into the national music scene, the Fort Collins-grown band Green Lemon is enjoying its fresh success.

A jam band — think Phish or Widespread Panic — with a heart for touring and everything that goes with it — you know what that means — Green Lemon has emerged from the Colorado music scene to garner recognition nationwide.

The group was recently nominated for the 2006 New Groove Jammy Award. The Jammy Awards, produced by Relix Magazine and Jambands.com, are the Grammy equivalent for jam bands. Eight awards for achievement will be handed out April 20 in a New York City ceremony, and Green Lemon is competing against five other up-and-coming acts.

Steve Schaben, guitarist, said what sets the band apart from other jam bands is the vocals.

“Most jam bands concentrate a lot on the music but when it comes to the lyrics, they are not given as much thought,” Schaben said. “Of course, there are always some exceptions.”

All five members contribute to vocals with Schaben and Wayne Allen on guitar, Jonathan Cordero on keyboard, Chris Cox on drums, and Jesse Fioravanti on bass. The result is a sound infused with electronic beats, a touch of soothing reggae, a little rock and a hint of funk.

The goal is to make music that no one has ever made before, Schaben said. 

Originally from Oklahoma City, Okla., which isn’t exactly the Hollywood of the music industry, the band relocated to Fort Collins in 2001, just two years after its formation.

“That’s where the band got its real start I guess,” Schaben said. “The band didn’t evolve its own style until moving to Fort Collins.”

Schaben joined Green Lemon last December when the former guitarist asked Schaben to fill in for him. Schaben grew up with the guys in Oklahoma and was thrilled with the opportunity.

“It’s really hard to find musicians who are dedicated to doing something unique and creating an overall sound,”  he said.

But Green Lemon’s journey has not been without its bumps along the road, literally. When the band first took to the road, it traveled in a luxurious converted school bus that quickly became notorious for breakdowns. After breaking down a final time on Schaben’s 21st birthday last year, the band upgraded to a more reliable charter bus.

Aside from the occasional blown tire or needing to be towed out of the mud at 4 a.m., Schaben said this year’s tour is going smoothly.

“Last year we toured for 10 months straight, so this year is a cakewalk for us,” he said.
The guys have definitely collected their share of stories while on the road.

Schaben recalled an after-show party in St. Petersberg, Fla., with a bunch of fans.
“A bunch of deadheads were tripped out on acid,” he said. “We were the most sober ones there, which is surprising. But, hey, the more drugs you take, the better we sound,” Schaben said.

Green Lemon is also catching the eyes of some in the industry.

In addition to its nomination for the Jammy, Green Lemon was named “2004 New Home Grown Band of the Year” by the Home Grown Music Network and “Independent Artist of the Year” by Hapi Skratch Entertainment.

The band also won Relix Magazine’s Jam-Off Contest last year, got a song on the Relix’s Jam-Off compilation CD, and was invited to perform in New York City during the CMJ Music Marathon.

Now, Green Lemon is back in the Fort, kicking off summer tour dates at the Aggie Theater March 31 and at Quixote’s in Denver on April 1.

Cox said he is excited to come home for awhile. He’ll hang out with friends and will hopes to hit the slopes.

While in NC, Cox and Schaben said visiting Steakout Saloon is a must.
“I am definitely a regular there when I am in town,” Cox said.

Other than practicing a bit, Schaben hopes to spend time vegging and getting juiced up for the rest of the tour.

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