New Old Cavalry to perform at Max’s Place

Disregard any preconceptions about what a five-person string band should sound like.

Bluegrass fans call it a jam band. Psychedelic rock fans call it a bluegrass band.

“It’s kind of a middle ground between the two,” said Chris Dollar, guitarist and singer for New Old Cavalry.

New Old Cavalry, along with Blue Moon Soup, will perform at 9 p.m. at Max’s Place.

Travers Marks, general manager at Max’s, said New Old Cavalry plays the first Thursday of every month.

“We have a mutual love affair,” Marks said. “They’re fine musicians, and they play material that I like.”

Dollar said they started playing at Max’s after the band formed in 2009.

“We started playing the open mic (nights) there a little over three years ago,” Dollar said. “We just got on his good side.”

Dollar and his fellow band members all attended IU.

“I’ve been booking them for years,” Marks said. “They’re one of only two standing gigs at Max’s Place.”

New Old Cavalry released its second album, “Carry Me Out This Way,” on March 1.

Though the band is described on Max’s website as “psychedelic bluegrass,” Marks said he couldn’t describe exactly what that is.

“There’s nothing exact about it,” Marks said. “It’s a blend of traditional bluegrass and a heavy Grateful Dead influence.”

Marks said the crowd always dances, hoots and hollers during New Old Cavalry’s performances.

“They have a good stage presence, and they bring a fun crowd,” Marks said.