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Leah Williams
Pulse editor

The Chicago-based band 56 Hope Road is often mistaken for something else.

And it is because of the name.

"We get a lot of people coming up to us and saying, 'You guys in a reggae band?'" said Steve Goveia, vocalist and guitarist. "They want us to play 'No Woman, No Cry' but we don't do that."

But 56 Hope Road doesn't play reggae, and its music is not heavily influenced by the late Bob Marley. Mistaken identity aside, the acoustic funk rock group will make a stop on its national tour to play at the Hangar 9 Saturday, beginning at 10 p.m.

While the name is derived from Marley's address at the compound in Kingston, Jamaica, Goveia said it was chosen because of how he viewed life, wanting to broadcast the musical legend's positive vibes.

"We're just paying homage to his philosophy of bringing people together and overcoming negativity," he said. "We are just huge fans of his."

The members of 56 Hope Road met at Millikin University in Decatur while they were studying in the school of music. They moved to Chicago in 1999.

56 Hope Road released its first album, "All Points Connect," in 2001 to the tune of 3,000 albums sold. The follow up, "Drop It All," was launched in June of 2004.

Since last September, they have played up to 20 shows a month, totaling 215 for the entire tour, said drummer and percussionist Greg Fundis. They have played in Springfield, St. Louis, Austin, Texas and Nashville, Tenn. The group has also performed at Wakarusa and 10,000 Lakes music festivals and has opened for the Dave Matthews Band, Tom Cochrane, The Jazz Mandolin Project and the Black Crowes.

"The magic that happens onstage is probably my favorite part," Fundis said. "We just wanted to be playing shows and producing music."

56 Hope Road will return to its roots hometown when they play in Decatur this October.

Goveia said he recalls fondly the many times the band has overcome bumps in the road or the touring recreational vehicle breaking down and yet, they still made it to the gig on time.

Dave Hamilton, guitarist and vocalist, and Goveia have worked and performed with each other for more than 11 years. Both are the contributing songwriters, and each brings his own style to the music.

"I don't consider myself a lyricist," said Goveia, who admittedly either leans toward dark or happy tunes. "It comes from everywhere."

Hamilton also said anything can wind up in a song.

"Joys and pains create emotion," Hamilton said. "Get that into a song and you've done your job. Every day is a memory."