Biography:

Hailing from the southern hills of Alabama, the organic sound of Act of Congress is consistently voted one of the "must see live acts of Alabama." AOC has performed throughout the U.S. and in countries including Thailand, Oman, Palau, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Philippines, Timor Leste, and Bali. Their second full length release, "Worth Fighting For" debuted at #18 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter charts. In October, the band returned from their third tour as U.S. Cultural Ambassadors, led by the State Department. AOC has performed for the likes of Paste Online, SXSW, Disney, NPR and Billboard. They have opened Live Nation VIP areas for John Mayer and Edwin McCain and were featured on the nationally syndicated Woodsongs Radio on XM Radio. Act of Congress has also won the IMWS Disc Makers' Grand Prize and Colgate Country Showdown Regional Competition. AOC has performed their original music with symphonies, including twice the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and backed up country music star, Sara Evans and American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks. AOC's licensing catalog includes Showtime and Google.

Pop / Americana / Acoustic Rock

"One of the freshest sounding, exuberant bands in all of the known acoustic universe."

-Dave Higgs, Nashville Public Radio

Symphony Bio

The rare opportunity to perform with symphonies happened completely by chance for Birmingham acoustic pop-rock quartet, Act of Congress. In 2009, when hired by Walt Disney World to perform at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida, AOC ran into Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO) Pops conductor, Christopher Confessore and a relationship of mutual admiration was born. A second chance meeting happened several months later while performing an after hours showcase in the tiny upstairs room of a well known Nashville coffee shop. After meeting the band, Grammy-nominated arranger, Don Hart (having collaborated with Trey Anastasio of Phish, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, and others) instantly became interested in working with Act of Congress and called Hunstville Youth Symphony Conductor, Joseph Lee to suggest a proposal. An agreement was then made between the three that a grant would be written funding Don’s orchestral arrangements of seven original Act of Congress songs from their critically acclaimed album, Declaration. The band would play a gratis performance, but would maintain ownership of the all important orchestration charts. The event, held in March 2010, was a success with over 900 in attendance. Word of this successful collaboration spread 100 miles south to Confessore, who went to bat for the band, convincing the ASO board to schedule a joint concert with Act of Congress and Pops Concert veterans, "Three on a String.” The concert was held at the historic Alabama Theatre and again was a success. More and more symphonic opportunities began to open up for Act of Congress in 2011. Less than a year after the ASO Pops concert, Joseph Lee, who had just taken over the Sewanee Symphony invited the band to the "University of the South" for a special performance. A month later, the band was invited to Montgomery where the prestigious Alabama Music Educators Association conference to perform for the second time with the HYO. Then, in December of 2011, “An Alabama Christmas,” a full length concert featuring Act of Congress and the Alabama Symphony was performed, once again, at Birmingham’s Alabama Theatre. This show was considered one of the most successful ASO Pops concerts of the last two seasons.
In 2012, Act of Congress feels well prepared to introduce their fresh brand of entertainment to Pops Concert Series’ all over the country. With twelve fully orchestrated charts, Act of Congress is a perfect choice to deliver an original, Christmas, or patriotic themed series.

Recent Quotes-

"Skillful, sensitive charts by Nashville composer-arranger Don Hart allowed Act of Congress to mesh with the orchestra in fine style. Impressive musicianship, abundant talent, ego-free collaboration between band and orchestra. Pluck and charm from an emerging indie group, matched by grace and experience from the symphony."

-Mary Colurso
The Birmingham News

"Timeless blend of tight harmonies, vintage instrumentation and deep musical roots. Don't miss your chance to see one of the country's best bands"

-Alabama Symphony Orchestra

"We LOVED working with AoC - they have the perfect sound and style to match a full symphony orchestra! Adam, Chris, Tim and Connie are all such fantastic musicians - we couldn't wait to find another time to work together"

-Chris Confessore
Principle Pops Conductor Alabama Symphony, Brevard Symphony OrchestrasDiscography:
2007-Love Remains E.P.
2008-Declaration L.P.
2009-Cover Up E.P.
2011-Christmas E.P. Vol 1
2012-Worth Fighting For L.P.
2012-Live@Workplay L.P.