B-Sides concert series at Messiah College showcases eclectic, up-and-coming bands
February 15th, 2008
GRANTHAM, Pa. (Feb. 15, 2008) — Sponsored by Messiah College’s Student Activities Board, “B-Sides,” a semester-long concert series, will bring in bands from Philadelphia to New England, New York to Washington, D.C. The concerts take place every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. until May 14, and they are free and open to the public. No tickets are required. All bands will perform in Larsen Student Union, located on the college’s Grantham campus. Please note that no concert will take place on March 19, due to the college’s closing for spring break.
The Shackeltons, Feb. 20
Pennsylvania natives The Shackeltons have been hailed by “Rolling Stone” as a “wild-eyed fusion of Pixies and early White Stripes.” The five-man band got its start in 2004 and has risen in popularity at a fast rate, playing on local radio and in venues around the country. Named after Ernest Shackelton, an early 20th century explorer who reputedly tried to cross Antarctica on foot, The Shackeltons’ self-titled debut album came out in January of this year.
The Big Sleep, Feb. 27
A New York City-based three-piece band, The Big Sleep creates songs that “sound quite dark but with an energy that crackles bright and warm,” as a review in “Prefix Magazine” observed. The combinations the band achieves with only bass, drums, guitar and vocals have wowed fans and critics alike. Classified as hard rock, the band’s music nevertheless embraces softer undertones as well, resulting in the paradox “Time Out NY” caught: “The Big Sleep shows just how delicate the heavy stuff can be.”
Haale, March 26
As the New York-born daughter of Iranian parents, Haale melds the contemporary rock-and-roll sounds of New York City with the spiritual, traditional energies of her parents’ homeland. The result is something she calls “psychedelic sufi trance rock,” and the powerful combination has elevated her and her band to popular notice. She has toured the U.S. and abroad and been invited to play in Carnegie Hall.
Eli Reed & the True Loves, April 2
Eli “Paperboy” Reed and entourage mix gospel tunes, horns, ballads and youthful energy to achieve a genre of “soul music” that the seven members deliver with gusto. Their concerts have been described as “high voltage experiences,” and the band’s unique mesh of appeal reaches across age, race and musical taste barriers. Their latest release, “Roll With You,” is due out this spring.
Gretel, April 9
This energetic group, hailing from New England, is led by songwriter and singer Reva Williams. The band met in September 2003 and recently completed their second record on Eyeteeth Records. The songs Greta produces “evince an honesty and directness usually reserved for confessionals and bathroom stalls.”
Le Loup, April 23
An eight-member band, Le Loup delivers songs rich with instrumental variety and the spectrum of vocals from each member of the group. Le Loup’s formation came about through home recordings, advertisements on Myspace and Craigslist, and lots of hard work and imagination. They have garnered a devoted following in the Washington, D.C. area, where they normally perform.
Enon, April 30
Named for an Ohio town near band founder John Schmersal’s home, Enon’s primary venues are in Philadelphia. With over six albums to their credit, Enon’s indie-rock genius has won them fame around the country, and their cutting-edge sound proves “a rare feat,” according to “Splendid Magazine.”
Hoots & Hellmouth, May 7
Performing coast-to-coast for their latest self-titled album release, Hoots & Hellmouth declare their intention of forming human connection through music. Their members play anything from cello to mandolin, creating a music experience that sweeps audiences up into its energy.
O’Death, May 14
Self-described as “five guys… a banjo, a fiddle, a drum set littered with gas cans, chains and broken cymbals,” the band “O’Death” has evolved from its 2003 formation into a wild, imaginative group with several records and over 100 shows played around the country. Their unique sound, which they describe as “southern gothic spiritual,” has become celebrated in the U.S. and will be premiering in Europe for the first time summer of 2008.
Performers have not yet been confirmed for the March 5, 12 and April 16 concerts. See the “B-Sides” website at http://www.messiah.edu/org/sab/bsides.html for up-to-date details.
About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls 2,800 undergraduate students in 55 majors. Established in 1909, the primary campus is located in Grantham, Pa., near the state capital of Harrisburg. A satellite campus affiliated with Temple University is located in Philadelphia.