The Upward Dogs, based in Chapel Hill, describes themselves as a funk, jazz, and hip hop band that loves improvisation. They are performing on the third Wednesday of every month at 9 P.M. as part of a residency at The Cave in Chapel Hill
The group is made up of about 30 different musicians, and each performance will be a different configuration of players. Each time the band plays it will likely sound different, feel different and feature spontaneous compositions.
Scott Jones is the founder of The Upward Dogs. He formed the group right here in Chapel Hill back in 2016.
“I formed the group here, after playing in New York and L.A.," Jones said. "It was really scratching an itch that I had not been able to indulge in since being in those other cities, and that's really the idea of a deep focus on improvisation.”
Melissa Swingle is the booking manager of The Cave. When the first performance of The Upward Dogs generated a crowd off the street, she knew they would become regulars.
“The first time they played nobody really knew they were," Swingle said. "People walking by on the sidewalks heard them and came in. We started out with maybe five people and after they were playing for a while we ended up with 25 people. And so they had fun and I had fun, everybody had fun — I said why don't we make this a regular monthly thing.”
Swingle said she feels that The Upward Dogs residency is one that will be long-term.
"As long as they are having a good time, I say they're welcome to keep it up," Swingle said.
Jones was happy to agree to a residency with The Cave. He said it is one of his favorite places to play.
