Founded by guitarist Scott Lane and bassist and singer Jonathan Meadows in Richmond before moving to Denver in 2008, the Congress has carved out a niche as one of the nation’s premiere roots-rock Americana bands. Its still-budding success was built the old-fashioned way — winning crowds over by playing any and every show it could get. With the recent addition of Virginia native Chris “Bernie” Speasmaker on keyboards and a new album on the horizon, the group is poised to take its Band-inspired brand of organic rock ’n’ roll to the next level. It brings the modern spirit of Muscle Shoals to the Camel for the Congress Christmas special on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Opening are the equally impressive hometown heroes, the Southern Belles. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10-$12. thecamel.org.