The story behind the acoustic rock trio Love & Branca began a decade ago when Ocean City High School friends Drew Love and Jon Branca started jamming together at house parties.
They went their separate ways for college, but started playing again afterward. In 2010, they added Branca’s dad, Steve, a longtime musician himself, who the two 27-year-olds call “The Silver Fox.”
Today, the group plays a mix of covers from contemporary singer-songwriters such as Jack Johnson and John Mayer, as well as some folk rock classics from groups like Crosby, Stills and Nash.
When the moment’s right, they slip in a few originals that bear influences from artists such as Donavon Frankenreiter and Dispatch.
Right now, you can see them all along the South Jersey coast, with some of their regular gigs including the Tuckahoe Inn and Yesterday’s in Upper Township, Mussel Bar in Revel and Luke Palladino Italian Restaurant in Harrah’s.
One day, they say there is always the possibility you could see them nationwide as well.
“We’re always trying to chase that dream,” says Jon Branca, of Upper Township. “We’re still working full-time to eat. We can’t rely solely on playing music yet. But as long as we can share our music, that’s the important thing.”
The band: Drew Love, lead vocals and guitar; Jon Branca, guitar and percussion; Steve Branca, guitar and mandolin.
Hear their originals online: Facebook.com/LoveBranca;
Upcoming shows:
Saturday, July 21: Liquid Bar, Trump Plaza, 8 p.m.
Tuesday, July 24: Golden Inn, Avalon, 3 p.m.
Thursday, July 26: Tuckahoe Inn, Upper Township, 6 p.m.
Friday, July 27: Inn at Sugar Hill, Mays Landing, 6 p.m.
Saturday, July 28: Tuckahoe Inn, Upper Township, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, July 31: Golden Inn, Avalon, 3 p.m.
