While the Michael Paul Band is gaining a fan following across the Bay Area, the group is returning to its roots in far East County on Wednesday, July 29, to debut a new song at the Streets of Brentwood.

“Hang Up & Drive,” a response to all those people who drive while talking and texting on their cell phones, is the first song band members Michael Paul, Don Hays, Frankie G, Jerry “Stix” Stefan and Scott MacGill have written together since they formed the band in 2008.

“The band wanted to debut it in Brentwood because they have a lot of friends and family here,” said promoter Tammy Mallett. “We want the diehard fans to be the first to hear it.”

The band will perform the song twice on Wednesday night, once during each set. The first set begins at 6:30, and the second set is scheduled to begin around 7:45, following the musicians’ 30-minute break, when they’ll be available to chat with fans and sign autographs. Copies of Michael Paul’s “It’s Cowboy Time” will also be available for purchase.

Known for the fan-originated slogan “these cowboys don’t just play music – they put on a show!” the Michael Paul Band will play 25 songs at the Streets of Brentwood, located at the corner of Sand Creek Road and the Highway 4 Bypass.

Mallett said the guys love to interact with fans during the show. Paul has been known to wander into the audience while performing favorite songs like “More Than Love.” The band also invites fans on stage to serve as backup guitarists, rocking air guitars while jamming to covers of The Eagles or Lynyrd Skynyrd.

“They know how to get the crowd moving,” said Mallett. “There are always people out on the dance floor. When they play Kid Rock’s ‘All Summer Long,’ even the shy ones get up and dance. They even have a line-dancing club that follows them from show to show. They’ve got a great following.”

Fans can get an advance preview of “Hang Up & Drive” by downloading the ringtone at the band’s Web site, www.michealpaulband.com. For more information, call Mallett at 925-852-7915.