Eclectic band back at Buskirk

In 1991, in a smoke-filled basement of an Ohio bar, the jam began and ekoostik hookah was born. \nAt 7:30 today, the band will bring its eclectic sound to the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., courtesy of Union Board.\nDespite falling into the jam band category, percussionist Johnny Polansky said he doesn't want ekoostik hookah to be glued to that label. \n"Every band jams," said Polansky. \nIn general, he said he doesn't agree with the idea of labeling bands. \n"Someone may recommend a band and say they sound like this or that. And when you go check them out, you may think, 'What? I didn't hear that at all.'"\nPolansky, who received a degree in percussion from the University of Pittsburgh, is the newest member of the group, and began sitting in with them as early as 1995. Guitarists Ed McGee and Steve Sweney, bassist Cliff Starbuck, drummer Eric Lanese and keyboardist Dave Katz round out the sextet.\nWith no major label to support them, ekoostik hookah has still managed to sell 80,000 albums and build a loyal fanbase in true grassroots fashion, through relentless touring.\nAll year long, the band packs venues across the country, usually setting out on four-night runs. \n"We do set aside parts of the year for vacation," said Polansky. "Well, it's not really vacation, we're still getting together and playing all the time." \nHe said he especially enjoys the touring aspect of being in ekoostik hookah, partly from the family trips he used to take as a boy. In fact, it's the "main reason" he wanted to be in a band.\nRecently, ekoostik hookah was able to retire their old 15-passenger touring van, leaving the odometer at a whopping 381,000 miles. Now, the band travels in more plush surroundings on their new bus, jokingly referred to as "the egg."\nFans of the band can check out their new egg tonight at the Buskirk-Chumley. Polansky notes that it's these "wonderful, wonderful" fans who've made ekoostik hookah what it is today. \n"Ekoostik hookah has such a wide fan base … We like to play shows everyone can go to," he said.\nIt's this reason that Union Board concerts director Andy Proctor said he is pleased to help bring ekoostik hookah to Bloomington. "They always do the Buskirk," said Proctor. "When they come here, they don't play bars. They keep to the all ages. Everybody has a good time, whether people have alcohol or not."\nAside from catching the show, fans can look forward to their newest studio album, Seahorse, which is awaiting release. In creating an album, Polansky said the recording process is entirely democratic. \n"As a group, we all have an equal say," said Polansky. "There are seven votes for anything we do." The seventh vote belongs to Jeff Spencer, long-time friend and general manager for ekoostik hookah. Each person plays an important part in the decision-making process for the group.\nWhile performing lengthy jams for shows or rehearsals, no one voice carries more weight than the others. \n"I may be playing off of Eric who is playing off of Steve and so on, but it changes. There are no leaders," Polansky said.\nThe band's amazing ability to create spirited, energetic jams during its live shows is one of the main reasons why fans keep coming back for more. \n"They're one of the best live bands touring the country right now," said Steve Keppler, an alumnus who has attended numerous ekoostik hookah shows, including two Hookahvilles, the band's biannual homegrown festival. "They're so...tight"