Gainesville natives Malachi Mills and Logan Pethel started their own band as a joke, but now the duo are no longer laughing. They are bonafide musicians with regular gigs, including an upcoming performance in downtown Dahlonega.

As baseball teammates in high school, Mills and Pethel met up to jam together since they shared a common love for blues, rock and soul with a Southern influence. Soon they decided to book their first gig in Dahlonega. After a few other performances and positive reactions from fans, The Whispering Gypsies officially became a band and will begin working on their debut album this month.

The Whispering Gypsies will perform at 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 31, at The Crimson Moon, 24 N. Park St., in Dahlonega.

Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door.

For more information, visit www.thecrimsonmoon.com or www.whisperinggypsies.com.