WEST VAIL - Since hitting the road full-time in September 2004, 56 Hope Road has played over 240 shows nationwide and has continued to hold a top 50 position on the JamBase.com. The Windy City rockers tour to the Sandbar Tuesday at 10.

Whether it is the full squad seven-piece lineup, with additional vocals and horns, or the funky quintet, the band said it prides itself on delivering illuminating lyrics and intelligent musicianship, a genre of music members call soulful funk.

The music, according to the band's Web site, sounds reminiscent of G-Love and Special Sauce, Medeski Martin and Wood, Grateful Dead, Paul Simon and Gomez. Based in Chicago, members pursue their goals with the indie spirit of their hometown and a Mid-Western roots sound.

This is accented by each member's own experiences performing within genres from jazz to indigenous music.

Named after the Bob Marley compound in Kingston, Jamaica, the band's name pays homage to the positive influence that Marleys' message has on the world. 56 Hope Road puts a positive spin on its music to create a optimistic dance scene at every show.

Vail, Colorado