“After seven straight years of touring and essentially living together, we all need to step back and find ourselves again,” musical director Fuzz said. “We’ve had the pleasure of working with some very talented and wonderful people over the years. Most of all, it’s been a real party.

“As to what the following year will bring, I’m sure there will be collaborations, solo efforts and more – more Banana!”

The band’s recent live record, Release The Grease, will be featured on the closing dates of the tour, which stretches through October. More shows for the Eastern States are expected to be added, as well as a New Year’s gig.

The eight-piece ensemble has been a live draw on the jazz/rock/soul fusion scene and a steady presence on the road since the late ‘90s.