TAMPA, Fla. — Growing up in Clearwater, the Ries Brothers didn’t at all times dream of being musicians.
For Kevin, 24, and Charlie, 27, baseball used to be of their blood first.
“Baseball was definitely what I wanted to do. I guess over time, I realized I wasn’t quite as good as my brother was,” mentioned Charlie.
“Played up until I was 12 years old. We won the Florida State Championship when I was 11 for AAU,” mentioned Kevin.
But ultimately, tune began taking on. Kevin performs guitar whilst Charlie sings and performs drums.
As youngsters, they began with gigs at native seaside bars.
“That really helped our skills and get us to the point where we could be confident and play around town,” mentioned Kevin.
That self belief were given them spotted by means of any person running for the mythical band Chicago.
Next factor they knew, The Ries Brothers have been on excursion opening for the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers.
Keyboard participant Robert Lamb even become a mentor.
“He gave us some great advice over the years. He told us if there’s one person or 5000 people, you always put on that same show every night,” mentioned Kevin.
Now whilst they get larger and larger as a band, the brothers nonetheless have their love for baseball.
“Every time we have a day off in any random city, we will find a ball field. We will work out on the field,” mentioned Charlie.
Baseball and tune are about to intersect for the Ries Brothers whilst they get ready for the Innings Festival.
The baseball-themed tune fest outdoor Raymond James Stadium began closing yr to lend a hand have fun Spring Training.
“My two favorite loves in life are music and baseball,” mentioned Kevin. “I went last year, and it was such an amazing experience.”
“Dave Matthews. The Avett Brothers. I’m very honored to be part of this lineup and represent the hometown,” mentioned Charlie.
The guys mentioned they are nonetheless rising from the grassroots stage and don’t know the place tune will take them subsequent.
“We don’t have a giant record label to answer to right now. We can be ourselves. We can grow this organically. Build it from the bottom up into something really special,” mentioned Charlie.