It’s not every day a band comes along who can satisfy both music lovers and history buffs at the same time, but the Decemberists do just that. Hailing from the hipster paradise of Portland, Ore., the Decemberists formed in 2000 when frontman Colin Meloy met Nate Query, Chris Funk and Jenny Conley. Naming themselves after a 19th century Russian revolt, the Decemberists signed first with Hush Records, then Kill Rock Stars before moving on to Capitol Records. They have continued to release a number of albums since then, including the hit, ‘The King Is Dead.’ They’ve also developed a reputation for putting on amazing live shows often filled with audience participation.