After a three-month hiatus, jam band Crooked Toms returns to Athens’ local music scene with an intimate performance at Hollisters Saturday night at 11.

“We’re very glad to be hosting them again — they have always been a smash hit with the patrons,” said Hollisters owner Beverly Eisele.

Crooked Toms was formed in 1996 by seven Harrison High School students in Kennesaw. Four of them remain, jamming harder than ever: Kevin “Hevy Kevy” Fleming (guitar/ vocals), Andy Harrison (drums/ vocals), Coleman Mills (bass/ guitar) and Drew O’Donnell (vocals/ guitar).

“We’re an eclectic mix — a jam band,” said Harrison. “Although we have more of a songwriting, folkish feel instead of sheer improv.”

But it wouldn’t be a jam band without some improv playing. Guitarist “Hevy Kevy” wows fans with his sensational and impressive “on the fly” guitar riffs.

Crooked Toms’ influences include Phish, Allman Brothers, G. Love and Special Sauce and Smashing Pumpkins.

O’Donnell, a University senior from Acworth, co-writes most of the music with Fleming. “Everyone in the band brings their own to it musically,” said O’Donnell.

“Lyrically, the songs are largely autobiographical, about my life experiences,” he added. “It feels good to get it off my chest knowing something so intensely personal could be shared by people who share similar experiences.”

“If there weren’t ex-girlfriends, then there wouldn’t be music in this world.”

A common theme in their music is love gone awry.

Crooked Toms is no stranger to the Athens scene. Their rZsumZ includes such venues as 40 Watt, the Vault and Hollisters, as well as numerous private parties.

However, their largest gig was opening for They Might Be Giants in Atlanta in 1998.

On Saturday, the band plans a stripped-down performance with light percussion, but not entirely acoustic. The set list consists of an equal mix of covers and originals.

“We’ll get your attention with the covers and then show you what we have, and that it is just as good,” said O’Donnell.

“Whether you come to relax, to have a beer or to get excited and dance, it’s going to be a guaranteed good time,” he said.