Ekoostik Hookah/Danksgiving Family Band/Vibe & Direct

The grandfathers of Ohio’s expansive jam band scene — culturally and musically — have always maintained close ties to the Cleveland area. From 1991’s Under Full Sail to 2013’s sweetly groovin’ Brij and the new tunes they’ve been throwing down the past year or so, Ekoostik Hookah have kept their fire burning across time. We were spinning the 6/11/16 show at the Scene office last week, digging into that fine blend of tight-knit songwriting and open-ended -- soaring, even -- jamming. Given the band’s personal history, rife with small shows and Hookahville festivals alike, every chance to be a part of the fun is a necessary diversion from life out there. We need this stuff now more than ever. How about a “Slip Jig Through the Poppy Fields”? (Eric Sandy)