Free weekly B-Sides concerts at Messiah College feature emerging artists
August 15th, 2008
GRANTHAM, Pa. (Aug. 15, 2008) – Sponsored by Messiah College’s Student Activities Board, “B-Sides,” a semester-long concert series, brings bands with diverse musical styles to campus every Wednesday night at 10 p.m. for free concerts. Each concert is 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 there will be no B-Sides concerts on Sept. 10 due to a previously scheduled event in the Larsen Student Union or on Oct. 8 due to fall recess.)
Gokh-bi System, Sept. 3
Gokh-bi System (pronounced Go-Bee) blends “ancient” African traditional rhythms and contemporary “urban” American beats to create a sound which appeals to traditional music enthusiasts and hip-hop purists alike. Musicians Mamadou Ndiaye, Diasse Pouye and Pape “Bathie” Pouye were born in the slums of Dakar, the capital of Senegal in West Africa. They named their band name Gokh-bi System, which means “neighborhood,” because, as Mamadou explains, “in Africa, if you live in the same neighborhood, you are family.” Eventually Backa Niang and Sana Ndiaye joined the group. The band’s first full length studio disc, “Rap Tassu,” will be released later this year.
Shapiro, Sept. 17
The band Shapiro, consisting of brothers John and Nathan Granofsky, Jeremy Teter and Carl Shapiro, formed in 2003 in Harrisonburg, Va. Their music, described as an “infectious style of indie pop, reflecting the guys’ love of both classic rock and newer indie rock, as well as their formal classical and jazz training,” was first featured on their self-produced, five-song EP, “You Are Alone.” Their most recent collection, “Ecclesiastes,” provides a fresh look at the group’s solid songwriting.
Our Last Night, Sept. 24
Described as the “fresh new face of rock,” Our Last Night, showed their “skillful ability to craft brilliantly catchy songs while maintaining credibility with their astounding technicality and talent for finding an exceptional balance between the heavy and melodic” in their debut “The Ghosts Among Us.” Formed in 2004, Our Last Night is comprised of Trevor Wentworth, Matt Wentworth, Colin Perry, Alex Woodrow and Tim Molloy. The band recently released a follow-up EP, “Building Cities from Scratch.”
Brooke Waggoner, Oct. 1
Louisiana native Brooke Waggoner began playing the piano at age four, experimenting with song structures and melodies at age 9, and writing original songs at age 10. Now, having studied music at Louisiana State University, Waggoner is adept at orchestration and songwriting as well. She released her own EP “Fresh Pair of Eyes” which showcases her talent and reveals musical influences as diverse as Chopin and ELO.
The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, Oct. 15
This family-based act is comprised of fingerstyle guitarist Reverend Peyton, his wife and washboard player Breezy Peyton and his brother and drummer Jayme Peyton. Though heavily influenced by country blues legends like Son House and Furry Lewis, The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band actually got its big break when Irish group Flogging Molly took the band on tour. The band’s shows have become the stuff of legend. The band has a full-length album, “The Whole Fam Damnily,” which was recorded in a church in Bloomington, Ind., and includes a timeless collection of songs…all of which are true, according to Reverend Peyton.
Caleb Hawley, Oct. 22
Caleb Hawley, who, as a minor, wowed the club scene in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minn., is embarking on what promises to be a successful music career. Described as a “singer, folk lyricist and a jazz composer,” Hawley’s first solo album, “Greatest Hits,” was released in 2007.
Bombadil, Nov. 12
Bombadil’s sound ranges from straightforward rock to Bolivian waltzes; from heartbreaking piano-driven laments on loss of life to swashbuckling, raucous marches. Their live show has an undeniable appeal earning them the accolade of being one of the freshest bands to emerge in a long time.
About Messiah College
Messiah College, a private Christian college of the liberal and applied arts and sciences, enrolls 2,800 undergraduate students in more than 60 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.