Any time the words “community” or “family” to a band moniker, one gets the distinct impression that the group is an ever morphing being, consistently and regularly adding people. On one end, a keyword is variation — a live performance could feature a band leader solo or with a few select members. On the other is quantity, noting an expansive collective of individuals. And so it is with Akron/Family; the core of the band is a trio and may, at any time, feature them alone or include a dozen additional guest musicians.

Whatever the case may be, you folks in the West can see Akron/Family on tour late this month and early the next, with select dates in California, Oregon and Washington. I’ve include these shows below the mp3 download/stream, but if you’re elsewhere in the states, you can see their full lineup on the Akron/Family tour page.

Akron/Family’s latest LP, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free, is out now on Dead Oceans.

Akron/Family: River [mp3]

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8/24/09 Santa Monica, CA – Morning Becomes Eclectic (89.9FM KCRW)
8/28/09 San Francisco, CA – Outside Lands Music Festival w/ John Vanderslice
8/29/09 Los Angeles, CA – El Ray Theatre
9/07/09 Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Festival
9/08/09 Portland, OR – Bagdad Theatre