Featured Hotstar: The Dustbowl Revival

The story of The Dustbowl Revival’s formation begins with Zach Lupetin relocating from the Midwest to Los Angeles in 2007. He wanted to start a band that played brass and string band styles, so what does he do? He posted an ad on Craigslist.

The Dustbowl Revival composed of Lupetin on guitar and vocals, Liz Beebe on vocals and ukulele, Joshlyn Heffernan on drums, James Klopfleisch on double bass, Ulf Björlin on trombone, Matt Rubin on trumpet, Daniel Mark on mandolin and Connor Vance on fiddle has since been making a name for itself playing its own mix of Americana, soul, funk, roots-rock and jazz.

Jeff DeLia of 72 Music Management said a client brought he and The Dustbowl Revival together.

Benjamin Wallen – The Dustbowl Revival

“It’s kind of interesting how we connected. I also manage A.J. Croce and A.J. and Dustbowl were playing a festival called Tønder Festival in Denmark a little over a year ago. The drummer for Dustbowl became friends with the guitarist for A.J.’s band and they hung out a lot.” DeLia told Pollstar. “Dustbowl was looking for management and asked Michael [Bizar] if he knew anyone and Michael suggested me. I looked them up and I thought they looked incredible.”

“It was like nothing I’ve ever seen before live. They were so much fun, so full of energy, with great songs. Their vocals and their showmanship are captivating.”

DeLia said Ivory Daniel of The Regime came in as co-manager shortly after and they went to work expanding the band’s already-strong touring business.

Support slots with acts including Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Trombone Shorty, and Lake Street Dive and appearances at festivals such as Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, Delfest, FloydFest, Bergenfest in Norway and Tønder Festival upped the band’s presence and its fan base.

Among those fans is Disney legend Dick Van Dyke. That’s him and his wife, Arlene, dancing in the video for the band’s song “Never Had To Go,” which had drawn nearly 4 million YouTube views at press time. 

The Dustbowl Revival will be on the road in the States through early December, with 2018 dates in the works.