Star City

The band name pays homage to a town in West Virginia, the home state of Star City founder Jason Lewis — but it also evokes '70s icons Big Star, which is fitting since the New York City group's brand of roots rock is informed by plenty of ear-pleasing guitar crush.

Star City frontman Lewis fronted indie rock bands while studying classical voice at West Virginia University. Moving to New York in 1993, he was swept up in the East Village's anti-folk scene. Soon, however, he was drawn into that city's surprisingly healthy alt-country scene (which took up primary residence at Rodeo Bar). In 1999, the group self-released their debut, which — mostly through word of mouth and live show sales — sold into the thousands. 2001's Inside the Other Days, a mixture of up-tempo, hook-laden country rock and heart-wrenching ballads, was produced at Brooklyn's Mission of Sound by Dave Amels (Lenny Kravitz) and the Smithereens' Dennis Diken. The experienced members of Star City include bassist Scott Yoder (Blue Chieftains, World Famous Blue Jays), guitarist and lap steel player David Chernis, multi-instrumentalist Kevin Karg (Hangdogs, Rolling Hayseeds), and drummer Nancy Polstein (Walter Salas-Humara, Will Rigby, Cheri Knight). In May 2002, the band went on an indefinite hiatus.