Local band El Presidente probably could write the book on how to put together a successful gigging band. The four-piece improvisational rock group has established itself as a regular local act, grabbing the attention of booking agents and audience members with its eclectic folk/jazz/blues/funk influences.

El Presidente officially formed two years ago when guitarist/vocalist Phil DeTolve met Andrew Burri, another guitarist/vocalist who lived across from him in Holmes Hall. The two started playing music together, and soon after, DeTolve's bass-playing brother Pete DeTolve joined in. After writing some songs and debating whether to go the acoustic singer-songwriter route, the trio happened to run into drummer Joel Hill, who also lived in Holmes Hall.

"He was just playing downstairs in the basement in a practice room and we met him," Phil DeTolve said. "And we just took off."

Although El Presidente's members came together two years ago, they didn't start playing shows until relatively recently. Burri took time off of school to move and play music, so the band wasn't even together in the same state for awhile. But as soon as Burri returned, the band started practicing and immediately kicked things into high gear.

"At first, we would play anywhere and everywhere we could," Phil DeTolve said. "That included coffee shops and open-mic nights."

After rocking the open-mic circuit for awhile, El Presidente began branching out to gain more exposure.

The group started its run to local fame by landing gigs at bigger venues around the state, such as The Temple Club, 500 E. Grand River Ave. in Lansing. They also made an appearance on the Basement, a radio show dedicated to local music on WDBM (88.9-FM), as well as participating in the University Activity Board's 3rd annual Battle of the Bands - where El Presidente snagged third place and won $500.

With some solid gigs under their belts, the band members also have recorded an EP, which they hope to have available at their concerts sometime in the next few weeks. The group has done its share of home recording ("We're very lucky to have friends with recording equipment," Hall said), but the EP was produced professionally through a stroke of good fortune.

"One of my audio professors needed a guinea pig band to teach students how to record," Phil DeTolve said. "It was free and it's very professional."

Because every member of the band is a full-time MSU student, balancing schedules is always an issue. But although juggling work, school, shows and practices can be somewhat hectic, playing music helps to relieve the stress.

"You really kind of let loose," Pete DeTolve said. "It's a way to relax and have fun."

And after all the recording, the practicing and building up some fans, Pete DeTolve said one of the best parts of being in a gigging band is playing the gigs themselves.

"It's a really cool experience to have people dancing and seeing them smile and singing along," he said. "Obviously, we're having a great time."