One of the most original and energetic acts around today, ekoostik hookah is the nucleus of a family drawn to its lucid treatment of improvisational rock ‘n’ psychedelic rock, blues, funk, jazz and bluegrass layered with rich harmonies .

Born early 1991 in a basement bar filled with smoke, the band has been continually evolving, cultivating a sound that encouraged the ears of contemporaries and attracted fans who travel miles to hear them play.
From left to right: Dave Katz, Steve Sweney Eric Sargent, Phil Hazard, Eric Lanese

The Ohio-based band began jamming during weekly open-mic nights when vocalist / keyboardist Dave Katz, guitarist Steve Sweney, bassist Cliff Starbuck and guitarist / vocalist John Mullins had full-time gigs with popular bands. The group quickly found a following and began this odyssey when a stranger who heard them at a party financed a trip to the studio to record Under Full Sail. At the end of recording, band members had committed themselves full time to ekoostik hookah.

Drummer Eric Lanese joined in 1993. Since then, the band has undergone some personnel changes, including Starbuck’s and the addition of bassist Phil Risk and the departure of John Mullins and the addition of guitarist / singer / songwriter Eric Sargent in 2010. ekoostik hookah has always operated independently all aspects of its growth.