Who says a hippopotamus can only be seen at the zoo? A group from Grand Rapids, Mich., tempts the hippo out of its cage and into the psychedelic limelight. Don’t be fooled by their techno sounding name; Ultraviolet Hippopotamus dazzles the crowd with brilliant lights, raw talent and pure soul.

Originating in the Midwest, the band brings the old school jazzy rock of its roots to a mainstream audience. Ultraviolet Hippopotamus focuses on the authenticity of solid instruments and sounds as well as the electronic tones of the keyboard. Throughout their performances, the band transitions through a kaleidoscope of different music genres. The audience is instantly transported into a world of funky, fresh beats and tantalizing rhythms.

These mind-blowing artists started their musical journey in Big Rapids, Mich. as a group of friends just simply jamming out. Over the next six years, the band has endured member changes; however, their fan base has risen exponentially.

Currently, this five-piece band consists of Brian Samuels, Dave Sanders, Russell James, Joe Phillion and Casey Butts. It is no surprise that a band with such cool melodies needs an equally swanky name. Pulled from the pages of a book series written by Robert Anton Wilson, the band members discovered a fictional musical festival featuring a band called Ultraviolet Hippopotamus; they were instantly hooked.

“Some absolutely love it and then others won’t come see us because of it,” said guitarist Russell James.

Catching the ears and hearts of the college community, the fabulous quintet has turned progressive rock into a hot commodity. Shying away from the mainstream radio jams, Ultraviolet Hippopotamus focuses on bringing the sounds and beats of the old classics like Frank Zappa, Genesis, and Yes into the limelight and splashing them with a new flavor. Their music encompasses so many different genres that their audience ranges from the electronica-loving college students to the forty and fifty year old rock and rollers.

“The biggest thing I’m still listening to is Frank Zappa. I love Pink Floyd and Frank Zappa,” said guitarist Russell James.

After the explosion of their first and second albums, “Background Music” and “Songs for the Reaper,” the band had expanded their fan base from Midwestern progressive rockers to the east coast electronic scene. Ultraviolet Hippopotamus has reached the top 20 list on jambands.com and their brand new album, “Square Pegs Round Holes,” has made it to the third spot on the list. The new album features songs entitled “Bob the Wonder Cat,” “Run Rabbit Run,” and “Giants.” This collection of songs embraces the groovy beats of funk and high paced rhythmic techno tones.

Ultraviolet Hippopotamus is continually progressing; they have toured across the country and expanded their fan base tremendously. When it comes to their music, the band prefers to focus on interacting with their audience and engaging their fans rather than selling out large arenas. Ultraviolet Hippopotamus brings their sensational show to The Whiskey in downtown Wilmington Oct. 14. Doors open at 9 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. Entrance is open to those aged 21 and up and the cover is $5.