I.L.Y.A.I.M.Y is a Baltimore music group that packs a powerful punch, whether represented as a guitar/djembe duo or a full band with percussion, cello, guitar and fast paced growling vocals.
I.L.Y.A.I.M.Y stands for "I love you and I miss you"; the group was created by Rob Hinkal and has been touring the United States for 9 years now. The high quality mix of rock, folk, soul, and bluegrass is packed with percussion. The music is energetic as Rob himself, who plays the guitar with a ferocity that is dizzying. Heather Lloyd is his mainstay musical partner and she has no trouble keeping up on the djembe. Their online stage banter and storytelling is almost as entertaining as their music. I can't say how many times I've seen people stand spellbound, only able to utter "wow".
Their web site says, "Recently hailed as an audience-voted “Most-Wanted Artist” at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, ilyAIMY combines award-winning songwriting, tight male/female harmonies, signature intricate slap-style guitar work, ukulele, djembe and a curiously Muppet-like stage presence into an exquisite package. And that’s just the duo."
They are sometimes accompanied by Kristen Jones on cello, Sharif Kellogg on bass/piano and Rowan Corbett on bones, djembe and vocals. Louisville has lucked out because of a slight schedule change in Indiana. Hinkal and Lloyd made a pit stop in Louisville, because they love it here so much. LLoyd has even considered moving here.
They will be playing at the open mic tonight at Corner Door Lounge, which is hosted by Alanna Fugate at 7 p.m. I’m willing to bet that Hurricane Sandy is moving towards their home turf, because this force of nature has left a void to fill there while they’re on tour. (That's right, Rob. I blamed the hurricane on you.) Don't miss this opportunity for a free night of awesome music. You won't be able to avoid dancing or at least tapping your feet. I dare you to try to keep up.
Photo: ILYAIMY on stage. (Provided by ILYAIMY)
