Cigar Store Indians

Cigar Store Indians is a roots rock, rockabilly band from Crabapple, Georgia. The band formed in the summer of 1991 when singer/songwriter Ben Friedman and lead guitar player Jimmy "Lownote" Lavender began to jam together as both shared a love for the 1950's rock/country sound or whats known as rockabilly music. In 1995, after developing a large fan base in and around Atlanta, Ga. The band was offered their first recording contract on Landslide Records. Constant touring and memorable songs landed the self titled first release to # 3 on the Gavin Americana Charts. Highlights include an extended tour with the Squirrel Nut Zippers. "El Baile de la Cobra" was the bands second release and it rose to #10 on the Gavin Americana Charts. "Guestlist" a live recording found on Overall Records gave listeners a chance to sit in on a CSI live set from Smith's Olde Bar and Eddies Attic both local Atlanta music mainstay clubs. Their last album was Built of Stone, again released on Overall Records. At present the band has broken up. The band members that toured together the longest are listed below.

Ben Friedman, Singer/guitar

Jimmy Lavender, Lead Guitar/ Vocals

Keith Perissi, Bass Guitar/ Vocals

Paul Barrie, Drums/ Vocals

Jeff Sprayberry was a fairly new addition to the band, after the departure of Jim "Low-note" Lavender at the end of 2003. Barrie has been with the band since just after the release of "el Baile de la Cobra". Friedman writes the majority of the band's material, although they do mix in a few covers. Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and are among their best-received remakes.
Ben Friedman is currently hosting Pack Rats on MAV-TV. Paul Barrie is playing drums in local bands, as well as teaching. Jeff Sprayberry is also still active in the local music scene. Keith Perissi is teaching music.

They toured extensively, primarily in the Southern United States, but have toured Europe as well. They've also played in Jamaica.