Ben Babylon Band to Open for Marshall Tucker Band at LA's Canyon Club, 5/23

One of the South's original alternative-country bands will share the stage with one of Southern California's most exciting up-and-coming alternative rock groups, when LA's Ben Babylon Band opens for the Marshall Tucker Band at The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills on May 23.

Fronted by multi-award-winning keyboard player, singer and songwriter Ben Babylon, the Ben Babylon Band fuses rock with blues, jazz and insightful lyrics. Babylon, who is 16, is backed by Brian Schwartz (lead guitar), Alex Arnaout (bass) and Jagger Krusen (drums).

"I am excited to be opening for the Marshall Tucker Band," Babylon said. "I love how they incorporated rock, R&B and jazz into country music."

With roots dating to the mid-1960s, the Marshall Tucker Band was named after a blind piano tuner in South Carolina, who was not associated with the group. Their debut album, which was released in 1973 and was certified Gold in 1975, included the classic song "Can't You See." The band is also known for such hits as "Heard It In a Love Song" and "Fire On the Mountain."

Meanwhile, the Ben Babylon Band has been working on an album with members of the Elton John Band and GRAMMY-winning producer Matt Still. An EP, "Further Interpretations of Real Life," is available at Babylon's concerts, and two singles "Contradiction" and "Burning Man," are available through iTunes and other online retailers.

The Ben Babylon Band and the Marshall Tucker Band will perform at The Canyon Club, 28912 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-3304, on May 23. LA-based guitarist Sean Callero will also perform. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. The Ben Babylon Band will go on at 8:00 p.m. and the Marshall Tucker Band will start at 9:00. Tickets are $35 / $60 and can be ordered through www.BabylonMusic.biz or by calling The Canyon Club at 818-879-5016.