Robert Randolph plays at IU

When Robert Randolph and The Family Band take the stage tonight at the IU Auditorium, audiences should get ready to shake their hips, said band member Marcus Randolph.\nThe last few years have sent the group through funk, R&B and more, landing Robert Randolph on Rolling Stone's list of The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time. Their latest album, "Colorblind," is geared more toward audience participation, comprised of 11 distinct songs, rather than the instrumental songs they've gravitated towards in previous albums. \n"It might seem a little strange," Marcus Randolph said. "But we're growing as musicians, and we're going to start doing other things."\nHe assures fans, however, that tonight's show will please old and new tastes alike. \n"You never know where we're gonna come from. We're going to be hitting you from all angles," he said. "We'll be jamming and doing what we usually do, and then we'll throw in something totally new."\nThis synthesis of styles comes from a similar mix of influences. Marcus and Robert Randolph, who are cousins, were first exposed to music in the form of gospel, soaking in the melodies at their New Jersey church as children. \nWhile Robert listened to more classic rock music, Marcus was into hip-hop and rap as a teen. \n"My mother used to yell at me because I would play rap music in the house," Randolph said. "I used to have a radio in the house, and as soon as my friends walked by, I'd turn it up to be cool."\nRandolph said the guys turned each other on to different groups over the years, but they all loved Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. "Once we got older, that's what made us want to start playing."\nIt was a quick trip to success for Robert Randolph and The Family Band. They left the audiences of church congregations to entertain at bars and clubs in New York City. Soon they were on the road opening for musicians such as Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Dave Matthews Band and The Black Crowes.\nEventually, the current band fleshed out with Robert Randolph on guitar, Danyel Morgan on bass, Jason Crosby at the piano and Marcus keeping time on the drums. The four men have been on the road nonstop since mid-April, with a break still several weeks away.\nBut Marcus Randolph doesn't mind the schedule. \n"It's just about doing what you love to do," he said. "Some people do what they gotta do, but we're doing this because it's what we love to do."\n"And it pays the bills," Randolph added with a laugh.\nWith a 3-year-old son of his own, the love of music has come full circle. Unlike his mother, Randolph doesn't tell his son to turn anything down, even when playing an instrument himself. \n"If he hits (the drums) too hard, I tell him to slow down, but that's it," Randolph said. "(Playing music) is in our blood, and it's in his too."\nTickets are still available for the 7:30 p.m. performance for $22.50. Call the IU Auditorium Box Office at 855-1103 or visit www.ticketmaster.com for more details.