Biography:

Option 22 is an Americana/Worldbeat ensemble with a revolutionary vibe. Passionate female vocals dance atop a healing groove of instruments from around the world including didgeridoo, shamisen, djembes and other hand drums. Positive lyrics inspire unity and soulful melodies elevate listeners' consciousness.

Dubbed by one listener a “new age jam band,” their flavorful style is flexible, ranging from funky and rhythmic sounds to mellow and melodic, with each member bringing into the equation affinities for world sounds, funk, folk, jamband music, newgrass, trance, reggae and rock. Full-out drum jams send energy bouncing off the walls of any venue. The only category that truly seems fitting is “Other.”

Based in Princeton, West Virginia, Lori McKinney (vocals, djembe, spoken word), Robert Blankenship (guitar, banjo, shamisen, hand-drums, didgeridoo), and Albert Perrone (guitar, hand-drums) have been writing and playing music together since early 2004. Clayton Blankenship (bass) rounded off the mix in 2008. Their songs come fresh from the moment; most of their songs are written from improvisational sessions. Lori's vocals are captivating and her drumming is funky and steady. Robert's riffs are catchy and danceable and his mad stylings on the didgeridoo and drums get people on their feet. Albert's guitar style is unique and poignant, dancing all over the board. Clayton holds down the rhythm section and adds fresh flavor to the musical experience.

With backgrounds in theatre, performance, healing arts (yoga/meditation), and visual arts, the group comes together with an artistic mind-set and a vision for a better world.

With three albums of original music, their newest release, "Choose The Music," is now available.


For Individual Biographies, CLICK HERE. 

For Press Articles, Click Here.



QUOTES


"I first heard Option 22 unamplified, the core trio sitting around on the
floor at a Charleston, W.Va., art opening, playing djembes and guitars. I
knew right then this was a special group of musicians and people -- jacked
directly into a world beat cosmic vibe that was as inviting as it was
transporting. But to say that a band has a trippy vibe may suggest airy,
sloppy musicianship that goes on and on, dependent on loops and the same
three chords. Nothing could be further from the case with Option 22. This is
a band of stellar musicians who phase in and out, seamlessly, between
jamband music, newgrass, world beat, funk and rock.

I daresay you'll find no tastier guitar licks and chords than from Albert
Perrone, who plays an amplified, modified classical guitar that goes places
classical guitars just don't normally go. Robert Blankenship on guitars,
banjo, sami-san and assorted toys (and now and again the didgeridoo) can be
both subtle and dreamy, then ferocious and propulsive. Briddy Morris on
percussion and Clayton Blankenship on bass round out the backing
instrumentation, with an in-the-pocket groove that helps the band achieve
escape velocity.

Rising up out of the center of this collective are the ululatting vocals and
passionate singing and wordmsithing of Lori McKinney. Armed with a rotating
cast of hand drums (she also womans a full drumkit with aplomb), you just
can't ignore Option 22 songs as they unfold, blossom then break through into
a transcendent place. You might just find yourself dancing when you never
intended to, out there in front of the stage. I charted this happening (then
it happened to me) at the band's appearance at the 2008 Culturefest, held on
a mountaintop in the lovely outback of West Virginia near Pipestem. You'll
want to be there next year and see for yourself, if you love music that
moves you.

The lyrics match the vibe, too, in the best tradition of that musical sage
who also gets your booty moving, George Clinton: "Free your mind and your
ass will follow." These are difficult times. Option 22 will lift you up --
and not just booty-shaking-wise. From that higher place, you'll have a more
refreshing and better perspective on things and the things that matter."

-- Douglas Imbrogno, Charleston Gazette online entertainment editor

www.thegazz.com

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"Option 22 combines tribal rhythms with world-inspired guitar work and socially conscious, distinctly poetic lyrics for a genre-blurring evening of great music."

-Chris McLaughlin, Programs Director, Tamarack Arts Center

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"This music is spirited and unforgettable. Time and time again their melodies flow like water over an audience exciting people to move. Their array of colors swirl in a hypnotic wave, with thoughtful lyrics that speak of life and growing in peace. You will leave with a smile - it is euphoric therapy."

-Dr. Tim Mainland, fine arts chairman, Concord University


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Sample Press Release- Feel Free to Cut & Paste, filling in vital details.

Contact Lori McKinney
Director, Option 22
lori@option22.net / 304-425-6425
Americana/Worldbeat ensemble Option 22 will perform at The Acoustic Coffehouse's Room Next Door in Johnson City on Friday, May 27th at 10pm and live on WDVX's Blue Plate Special in Knoxville on Saturday the 28th at noon.

Playing all original compositions, Option 22 delivers a performance which was called "sonically robust, post-modern folk music" by HomeGrown Music Network. Each member brings into the equation affinities for world beat, funk, folk, spoken word, jamband music, newgrass, trance, reggae and rock. To the band, the category that seems most fitting is “Other.” Instruments from around the world including didgeridoo, shamisen, djembes and other hand drums define their sound along with female vocals that have been described as "fierce and passionate."

This four piece band is made up of the core figures of the downtown arts movement in Princeton, WV known as The RiffRaff Arts Collective. Lori McKinney (vocals, drums, spoken word), Robert Blankenship (guitar, banjo, shamisen, hand-drums, didgeridoo), and Albert Perrone (guitar, hand-drums) have been writing and playing music together since early 2004. Clayton Blankenship (bass) rounded off the mix in 2008.

Their work as healing artists and arts organizers (they are also responsible for Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival in Pipestem, WV) is fueled by a strong desire to build and contribute to community. Their music reflects that passion. With backgrounds in theatre, performance, yoga/meditation, and visual arts, the group comes together with an artistic mind-set and a vision for a better world.

Doug Imbrogno of The Gazz said, "I daresay you'll find no tastier guitar licks and chords than from Albert Perrone, who plays an amplified, modified classical guitar that goes places classical guitars just don't normally go. Robert Blankenship on guitars, banjo, shamisen and assorted toys can be both subtle and dreamy, then ferocious and propulsive. Clayton Blankenship on bass rounds out the backing instrumentation, with an in-the-pocket groove that helps the band achieve escape velocity. Rising up out of the center of this collective are the ululatting vocals and passionate singing and wordmsithing of Lori McKinney. Armed with a rotating cast of hand drums (she also womans a full drumkit with aplomb), you just can't ignore Option 22 songs as they unfold, blossom then break through into a transcendent place. You might just find yourself dancing when you never intended to, out there in front of the stage."

The newest of their three albums, "Choose the Music," is a collection of 12 original songs and was nominated by HomeGrown Music Network for 2010 Album of the Year. Find more information, sound clips, videos and more at www.option22.com.

Acoustic Coffeehouse is located at 415 W. Walnut Street in Johnson City. Blue Plate Special is broadcast from the Knoxville Visitor's Center on the corner of Gay Street and Summit Hill Drive.


SHORT INFO. BLOCK
WHAT: Option 22 - Live Music
WHEN: May 27
WHERE: Acoustic Coffeehouse- Room Next Door
INFO: www.acousticcoffeehouse.net


SHORT INFO. BLOCK
WHAT: Option 22 - Live on WDVX's Blue Plate Special
WHEN: May 28
WHERE: Knoxville Visitor's Center
INFO: http://www.wdvx.com/programs/blueplate.html


For more high res photos and artist interviews, contact Lori McKinney at lori@option22.net or 304-320-8833.