Local musician, singer-songwriter, captain, and author, Marc Borde and his band, That Captain, are all smiles. The Coastal Texas four-piece has toured across the nation and are happy to be making a hometown stop to play four shows in our area this month as part of their “Miles and Smiles” EP Release Tour.

That Captain consists of Captain Marc Borde (Vocals and Guitar), Matthew Beard (Vocals, Drums/Percussion), Brent Wideman (Bass Guitar and Vocals) and Blake Plsek (Percussion and Banjo). That Captain’s sound combines the styles of reggae and folk music into one up-tempo collaboration with an emphasis on tropical island vibes. The band’s unique style with their captivating folk harmonies has caught the attention of audiences all over the country. After an extended stay in California at a music commune called the Music Pharm, That Captain will be back in our area for a very short time. The band plays in Kemah at Zone 504 on March 4; in Bacliff at Mothers Speakeasy on March 5; in Galveston at the Drunken Monkeyz on March 12; and at Stuttgarden Tavern on March 13. Be sure to catch them while they are home because the band is booked solid and won’t be back in our area for several months once they’re gone.

That Captain released “Miles and Smiles” on March 1. The three-song EP can be found on iTunes, Spotify and on their website for digital download. Surfing, traveling across the country, living in California, touring by sailboat, writing a book, working hard, romances, and partying have influenced members of That Captain to create this original collection of songs for “Miles and Smiles.”  The first track on the EP is called “The Blessing.” This track was written in and about Houston. The band decided to shoot their new music video in the city the song is about. In the video, watch Marc and the guys explore and skateboard around Houston. The video touches on relationship issues and features the group playing an outdoor set with very colorful Houston street art as the backdrop. Check out Mad Label Media’s YouTube Channel or That Captain’s website at thatcaptain.com to view “The Blessing” music video.

That Captain "The Blessing" from MadlabelMedia on Vimeo.

The second track is titled “Vamos.” This psychedelic song is about surfing and has a feel-good, beach vibe. The final track, “Miles and Smiles,” was written in California. This song is about That Captain’s extensive adventures touring the country. The band has wild stories about their travels such as sleeping in ditches, hopping trains and living at the Music Pharm.

Support these local musicians by purchasing “Miles and Smiles” on iTunes for only $2.97. Pick up the EP on iTunes, hit one of their March shows and transform an evening into a Caribbean Beach getaway. As That Captain would say on tour, “another day, another night...” the “trail of paradise” leads them home. Don’t miss their local shows or a chance to hear That Captain’s tour stories before they’re gone again.

-- Lizzy Parker