When BS&M (Barton, Schaffer & Mills) takes the stage members like to venture off the top-40 highway. "One of the things we have always tried to do is step over the obvious," explained David Barton, guitarist and keyboardist for the group. "We like to do things that are less accessible, like Cat Stevens. You don't hear him on the radio. We like to go off the beaten path." That daring philosophy has taken this six-year-old Henrico - based group from a part-time venture to a full-time musical career. "This is what we do now," Barton said. "it's gotten out of hand. We travel year 'round." Recently the band returned from a booking in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where they played a large wedding. But playing outside of the U.S. borders is out-of-the-ordinary.

This Thursday, BS&M will play closer to home at a public concert at the Collegiate School on North Mooreland Road. BS&M's core group consists of Barton, Rick Schaffer and Kyle Mills. Chris Lowry (bass guitar) and Jason Meeker (drums) also perform with the group. Currently, band members are excited about their latest venture -- a new album titled "The Post Modern Tradition" released on the Alcove label. Local distribution has been going well, Barton says. Nevertheless, when it came time to talk to radio stations about air play, Barton felt uneasy. "We walked into (WRXL-FM102.1) and (WVGO-FM 106.5) and both were receptive to our music," he said, smiling. "They put it into rotation. We even played live on XL-102." Looking ahead, Barton said he expects future changes. "We're just beginning a recording act," he said. "We're becoming acquainted with and proficient in studio techniques. We've grown up in that respect. We've hired a producer, Rick Nickell, who produced our record. "Anything is a growth process. You your roots."

Oddly enough, the band has a larger following in Northern Virginia than in their hometown of Richmond. "A lot of people that went to college in Virginia and heard us live in and go to the bars in Northern Virginia," Barton said. "The competition there is fierce to get a club date." Why does Barton think BS&M has done so well? "I think the band caters to the people," he said. "It's acoustic at its roots, which gives us flexibility to entertain." Even though the group's music is distributed locally, band members are looking for a national distribution deal. "Major labels are interested," Barton says, hinting at a possible contract. "We see ourselves with a national record deal and a national touring act." But attaining national recognition is a big step. "Richmond is indicative of the challenge you will have," Barton said. "Let's face it, Richmond is conservative. To be seen or heard in this town takes work."

After a successful Richmond show, Barton says there's a tendency to become overconfident. "You just have to get up the next morning and realize you have a long way to go. There's a lot more room for growth." BS&M performs at Collegiate School this Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. The show is open to the public. On Friday, Aug. 6, they will play at Friday Cheers in downtown Richmond.

Many people consider BS&M to be just a live band. However, their new CD "American Sun" easily displaces that notion. Though the band played it safe and took few chances on this release, each of the 10 songs beautifully represents the band's song writing ability. "American Sun" has no cut that is noticeably weaker than the others but does have a few that stand out as BS&M smoothly move one style to another. Some cuts are poppy, up-tempo tunes with catchy hooks. But "Sunshine" with its more soulful sound is slower and has more of a groove feeling that is reminiscent of Otis Redding. The seventh "Start Again," is wonderfully catchy makings of a hit country song. The guys should see if K95 would give this air play. And by far the most daring song on this CD is the final tune, "Not About Love." It is moodier and has greater intensity than any of the other tunes. It is haunting with an echoed sound uncharacteristic of the CD's otherwise slick action.

BS&M (David Barton, Rick Schaffer and Kyle Mills) have been playing music together for more than seven years. Though they are the band's core, they have had many additional musicians to round out the group at times. Currently, they have Kyle Davis sitting in with them and adding another masterful touch. Barton said the addition of Davis has added more than just some changes in the band's music. Davis has recently signed a recording deal with Sony and may be taking BS&M with him.

Were not really sure how everything is going to fall out," Barton said. We may sort of become Kyle's backup band. We're just waiting to see what they (Sony) decide they want to do." Because of this uncertainty, Barton indicated that there has been some hesitation on giving this - new CD a big push-especially in shopping it to record labels. They are, however, distributing it to record stores and are trying to get into rotation on regional radio stations. "Out last Cd got medium rotation on WVGO, Q94 and XL-102 We hope to do that again with 'American Sun',"

Barton said that his favorite part of being in BS&M is the creative aspect of song writing. He added, 'We're really lucky to be able to make a living playing music." Though, the band works hard to make that living, they play frequently throughout the East Coast and are arguably the biggest draw in Nags Head, N.C. Barton also said a rich man once new them to Puerto Rico`to play an invite party. The traveling is considered the biggest downfall of the business. "It's not fun spending hours in a van," he said. However, if American Sun is any indication, BS&M has many miles to go before they burn out. With their meticulous Crosby, Stills and Nash harmonies and bopping pop songs, BS&M is the quintessential band for summer days at the beach and for cook outs.