The Macpodz are unavoidable in Ann Arbor. Any State Street or South University Avenue pedestrian would be hard pressed not to see at least one of their space monkey-adorned flyers. They're everywhere, be it Hash Bash or your best friend's house party, and after barely a year as a band, they've become a fixture at the Blind Pig.

If you're not familiar with the Macpodz's brand of electrified jazz, mark disco bebop seamlessly blends jazz experimentation with ultra-danceable grooves all over Griffin Bastian's typically rock-based drumming. Live, they specialize in long, freewheeling sets that stretch their music in all directions. As trumpeter Ross Huff told the Daily in 2006, the Macpodz "do whatever it takes for the listener to get there . Whatever it takes for you to get to that space where you look around and say 'Hey, if this isn't nice, I don't know what is.' "

The members of the Macpodz aren't new to sonic adventuring. As well as a former student of the School of Music, Huff is a veteran of the Ann Arbor music scene, having been part of the experimental indie-folk collective Descent of the Holy Ghost Church. Bassist Brennan Andes has also made the rounds at the local stages and has toured nationally with Ann Arbor jam legends Smokestack.

This band is wholeheartedly dedicated. Its name comes from a member's nickname and the term for a group of whales that stays together until death. That's the kind of devotion these guys have to their music, and it shows - the Macpodz are one of the hardest-working bands in the local scene. It's been about a year since they played their first gig (a house party at Black Elk co-op) and they're easily one of Ann Arbor's most visible bands. Their first full-length album, Genius Food for Super Heroes, was released in February and was greeted with considerable acclaim from fans. They are spending this summer touring all over the Midwest, spreading their music outside of Washtenaw County.

In addition to their show at the Blind Pig, the Macpodz will also play at the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair's main stage on the corner of Ashley Street and Liberty Street at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Macpodz

Friday at 9:30 p.m.
$7 ($10 under 21)
At the Blind Pig

See Art Fair coverage for information about an additional show