Biography
Since forming in October 2007 The Revivalists have already made a large impact in New Orleans and are branching out regionally. They play original rock music with creativity, energy, and impressive ability. They add a unique sound to the New Orleans music scene and can move an audience in a lot of different ways. The group has grown to headline many of New Orleans’ great music venues such as The Howlin’ Wolf, Tipitina’s, and One Eyed Jacks. They are a recurrent opener for the famous Rebirth Brass Band and have been featured on WWOZ New Orlean’s Radio with live performances. The Revivalist’s journey began when singer, David Shaw moved to New Orleans in August 2007 from Columbus, Ohio. One day, shortly after Dave’s arrival, guitarist Zack Feinberg was riding his bicycle around the neighborhood. Shaw was sitting on his front porch, playing guitar and singing his songs. Zack stopped in his tracks upon hearing the soulful vocals bellowing through the air. They spent the rest of the day listening to music and sharing songs. The neighbors quickly became musical compadres, creating a firestorm of new music with the group that became known as The Revivalists. Shortly after the chance encounter with Dave, Feinberg enlisted drumming friend Andrew Campanelli to join the jubilee. And in summer of 2008, after a series of competent bassists, George Gekas swooned the band with his blue-collar work ethic and mastery on the instrument. The Revivalists are a raw talent that has shared the stage with, amongst others, Soulive, Fred Wesley, Afroman, and Papa Grows Funk and eager to keep on growing. They have high aspirations and plan on sticking around a while. So get hip to this trip and jump aboard the Revivalist’s pleasure van.
The Revivalists are...
;)
Dave Shaw - Vocals and Guitar 
Andrew Campanelli - Drums
George Gekas - Bass 
Zack Feinberg - Guitar
History
A sequence of random interactions, set in motion in the spring of 2007, gave birth to The Revivalists. After Hurricane Katrina ravaged New Orleans, the Tipitina’s foundation realized that their mission, to preserve Louisiana music and foster the growth of young musicians, had become more important than ever. Spearheaded by local legends Stanton Moore and Johnny Vidacovich, the Sunday musicians’ workshops began to bring aspiring musicians together to learn from the masters of their craft. It was these workshops that brought Tulane and Loyola sophomores, Zack Feinberg and Andrew Campanelli together for the first time. Fast friends, the two began working on original material, but felt that in order to make an impact in the legendary New Orleans music scene they would need to recruit a diverse bassist and soulful vocalist.
Nine hundred miles away in Columbus, Ohio David Shaw had reached the peak of what he felt to be the Columbus music scene. Seeking new challenges, he traded in his cramped apartment for a true shotgun house overlooking a mausoleum filled graveyard in Uptown New Orleans. In the humid New Orleans heat of early September, Shaw sat on his porch strumming his acoustic guitar and belting out “Purple Heart” one of the songs that he had ridden to the top of the Columbus music scene. Out for an afternoon bike ride, Feinberg skidded to a halt impressed with Shaw’s soulful voice. The next day they began playing on the streets of the French Quarter.
The Revivalists broke into music scene with their infectious blend of funky, reggae infused New Orleans rock. With Campanelli on drums The Revivalists built a following based, in large part, on their energetic live show. Despite the bands success, they continued cycling through bassists seeking that perfect fit. George Gekas answered the call with his blue-collar work ethic and well practiced, yet never complacent talent. With new life and focus, the quartet began their rapid expansion. Fueled by expressive songwriting and the quality of their live performance, The Revivalists have broken the invisible barrier that keeps so many inside Orleans Parish. Through all the hard work, they are proud of the music that they continue to write and more than anything enjoy providing fans with a live show that one critic described as “one of the most out-of-control parties that I’ve experienced in quite some time.”