Jackson Free Press

From 1994 to 2003, the Kudzu Kings were Mississippi roots-rock royalty, performing with popular acts such as Widespread Panic and featuring guest musicians including Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars and Bucky Baxter, pedal-steel guitarist for Bob Dylan. Now, 20 years after its formation, the band re-unites for an anniversary concert Friday, Nov. 28, at The Lyric in its hometown of Oxford, Miss.

To simply label the Kudzu Kings' reunion as a "show" isn't entirely accurate. The celebrated jam band is known for its spectacle-filled performances and improvisational prowess. Bassist Dave Woolworth is hesitant to reveal everything in the works for the evening, but the fact that he calls it an "operation" indicates a new magnitude of mayhem. That includes bringing in the original line-up and the assorted musicians who've played with Kudzu Kings over the years, such as guitarist George McConnell, Bryan Ledford on banjo and mandolin, and drummers Jeff Colburn, Ted Gainey and C.D. Overton.

"We're getting everyone who was ever part of the band to join us along with some special musical guests. It's going to be more than the usual shenanigans with advanced presentation including performance artists, an afternoon show for children, and we're even doing a panel discussion ... using puppets," Woolworth says. The band members are still finalizing the "puppet panel," which is part of the "Udderly Early Reception," but Woolworth says it's a reminder for them not to take things too seriously.

The band plans to document the entire occasion with full audio and video recording, which it hopes to release to the public at a later date. "We'd prefer not to throw it in the trash," Woolworth says jokingly. "If the cameras catch half of what is going on, we'll have some pretty cool things to revisit afterward."

While the Kudzu Kings' alternative-country rock inspired many Mississippi successors, the band actually owes its formation to funk. Woolworth and singer-songwriter Tate Moore had been playing weekly sets with the remnants of a funk band called the Mosquito Brothers, which included keyboardist Robert Chaffe, lead guitarist Max Williams and drummer Chuck Sigler. After Woolworth and Moore joined and a shift in musical style, the band eventually became the Kudzu Kings.

"What we put together wasn't what any of us were looking for or expecting," Chaffe says.

"It was definitely a different kind of gumbo, but we turned it into something that worked really well."

The Kudzu Kings released its self-titled debut album in 1997 and a follow-up, "Y2Kow," in 1999, generating a dedicated fan base that would sustain a decade of heavy touring. Then the band hit a wall.

"We went at it hard for 10 years and just needed a break. We never really broke up. We would still get together a few times a year, and it's just started ramping up again recently," Woolworth says.

"We never really gave up the core of what it was that brought us together. We realized we had something special. Every time we got together, it was fun, so we would look for those opportunities to be together."

The tone and energy surrounding the Kudzu Kings' 20th anniversary doesn't have the feel of a farewell. Rather, it's been a catalyst for the band, which is now considering entering the studio again. "The goal is to present that we are still here and want to do more," Chaffe says.

"I think there are still more songs about dogs, women and beer," Woolworth says. "There's plenty more about that. The stories are just slightly different now."

Kudzu Kings play at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at The Lyric (1006 Van Buren Ave., Oxford, 662-234-5333). General admission is $15. The "Udderly Early Reception," from 7 p.m. - 8 p.m., is $25 and includes show admission. The concert benefits the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. For more information, visit thelyricoxford.com.