Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers- On Durkin Family Presents Musicians For Abundance Collective

“SK6ERS,” as they’re also affectionately known, have carved a determined, inspiring path since forming in Western Massachusetts in 2003. An exceptional live act given to high-energy showmanship, The Sixers are closing in on their 1000th show with a newfound grit and gratitude. Stephen and core Sixers – Kit “Goose” Karlson (keys, bass, tuba, accordion) and Brian “Boots” Factor (drums, mandolin, banjo) -- are friends who act like brothers and switch off on their instruments to keep it fresh; much in the tradition of their collective heroes, The Band. The skill and camaraderie of the band, along with its growing popularity, was noted by the major label Universal Records, which signed them off of their 2004 debut album, Bulletproof Heart. After the eponymous release in 2005 and several hundred shows (the band changes it's setlist every night) the Sixers issued Glassjaw Boxer (Everfine Records, owned by rock tour buddies O.A.R.) and saw it make the ‘Top Five of the year' list by USA Today critic Brian Mansfield. They accepted an invitation to tour military bases this past spring in Kuwait, Bahrain, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Germany (with Sugarland) and NATO bases in England and the Netherlands. "We wanted to give back in the way we know how, which is playing music," Kellogg told CNN. "It was just an honor to get to say hello to those folks." Most recently, The Sixers played for the American Embassy in Israel as part of a July 4th celebration. Look no further than the title track of their new Vanguard debut album The Bear to understand Stephen Kellogg and The Sixers. As the band sings passionately, “Sometimes you get the bear, sometimes the bear gets you. Sometimes you’re gonna win, sometimes you’re gonna lose…but you know in the end – there's no apologies!”