The Great North Special at Corte Madera Summer Concerts

The Great North Special was formed in Laguna Beach, California in 2019, forged through friendship and a collective passion for the improvisational magic of bands like The Grateful Dead. The band was birthed by songwriting partners, Andrew Corradini(vocals/guitar) and Russell Long(vocals/guitar), who began writing songs together in 2012. Their musical synergy laid the foundation for The Great North Special, which they envisioned as a platform to share their love for diverse genres, from country-funk and soul-blues to psych-rock and jazz. The six piece ensemble has had a few changes of personnel over the years, including the permanent addition of drummer Derek Eglit in 2024. The band then added guitarist/vocalist John Lovero(The Higgs) and keyboardist/vocalist Michael Russeck(Curse of the Keys) as permanent fixtures at the beginning of 2025.

In 2020, The Great North Special unveiled their self-titled debut EP, a four-track journey that showcased their musical versatility and captivating songwriting. Recorded and produced at their own Freak Farm Studio, the EP garnered attention for its rich tapestry of sounds and soulful performances. As the band refined their craft on stage, they became a mainstay in the Southern California music scene, leaving audiences spellbound with their electrifying live shows. They have played many of California’s favorite venues and festivals in their last few years of traveling the state. The hallmark of The Great North Special's live experience is their ability to create a sense of communal celebration, where audiences become immersed in an ecstatic whirlwind of music and movement. Their improvisational and adventurous spirit knows no bounds, with each performance offering a unique musical odyssey filled with spontaneous moments of brilliance.

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Host or Publisher Corte Madera Community Foundation