Rising from the dingy college bars of upstate New York, the jam band moe. carved a niche for itself with a distinct blend of Americana, playful melodic turns, exceptional songwriting, and diverse arrangements. The bandmates were born and raised in the industrial town of Utica, but it took matriculation at the University of Buffalo for moe. to finally coalesce. Founded in 1990 by bassist/vocalist Rob Derhak, guitarist/vocalist Chuck Garvey, and original drummer Ray Schwartz, the band toured the University's party circuit under the name Five Guys Named Moe with several rotating members.