ION INDIE MAGAZINE March 2016, Volume 22 | Page 75

next 45 minutes turning an otherwise dreary day into the city’s biggest party. This was my first brush with
Zoo Trippin’, but I decided then it wouldn’t be my last.
Zoo Trippin’s blend of Blues, Funk and Rock n’ Roll has been packing venues around Columbus with its band
of merry musicians. At its core, Zoo Trippin’ is LYNN ROOSE III (lead guitar), TONY CASA (lead vocals/hand
percussion/harmonica), STEVE "Charlie" HATMAKER (drums), AUSTIN SMITH (bass/backing vocals),
DREW DIMITROVSKI (rhythm guitar/backing vocals) and JEFF STRAW (keys/backing vocals). Beyond these
6, a Zoo Trippin’ show can feature a variety of “featured artists”; including horns, backup singers and
rappers. The band’s versatile music allows them to perform the same material with a variety of lineups.

When asked about the idea of bringing in artists on a song by song basis, Casa said, “The songs as a whole
normally come from Steve, Lynn and Tony. We do love being able to live in a city that has a large, tight knit
community of musicians. And over the years, we've played shows with several bands, which makes it easy
to find great musicians to fill out pieces and do large productions with. We are more than happy to play as
anything from a 3 piece to a 13 piece band.” This community approach doesn’t stop at the stage, as Casa
can typically be found on the floor, dancing with the crowd while not singing. The group’s crowd engagement
is one of its greatest strengths.
Since the band’s formation in October 2014, they have built this community of rabid fans by releasing 2
EPs, “Kids These Days” and the follow-up, “Z-Sides”. The former, released in April 2015, takes elements of
Blues, Funk and early 90’s jam to craft infectiously catchy songs about life in Lefty College Town, USA. The