Free weekly concert series at Messiah College features diverse emerging artists
February 25th, 2009
GRANTHAM, Pa. (Feb. 25, 2009) — 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 open to the public; no tickets are required. All bands perform in Larsen Student Union on the college’s Grantham campus.
March 25, Mike-E
Mike-E is an Ethiopian-born, Chicago-based, hip-hop and spoken word recording artist and actor. He is best known for his hit, “Ethiopia (Everything Will Be Alright).” Currently, this self-acclaimed philanthropist is headlining the AfroFlow Tour, a live music performance and groundbreaking cancer awareness initiative coordinated by the American Cancer Society. He has performed several times on HBO’s Def Poetry Jam and appeared regularly in NFL spoken word performances as well as helped produce and perform a series of television ads promoting cancer awareness.
April 1, Bishop Allen
You may recognize Bishop Allen from their spot on a Sony camera ad, featuring the hit single, “Click, Click, Click, Click,” but they are not just your average television ad band. The duo of Christian Rudder and Justin Rice formed the band when they were roommates at Harvard University. The sound of Bishop Allen features Rice on the keyboard and Rudder on various other instruments to form a fresh, new, indie-pop sound.
April 8, Pistolera
After releasing their debut album in November 2006, this bilingual group rose to the top of the charts and was featured in “Rolling Stone Mexico” and “The New Yorker.” Pistolera is known for melodic and danceable songs that are sung in Spanish and lyrics with a strong political content. “The New Yorker” calls Pistolera “…a foot stomping-sound that’s one part ranchera and one part indie-pop.”
April 15, Extra Golden
Formed in the Buru Buru neighborhood of Nairobi, Kenya, this musical group features an unlikely combination of Kenyan Benga music with American rock and other African guitar stylings. The group has received widespread critical praise spurring their performance at the 2006 Chicago World Music Festival. Their newest album, “Hera Ma Nono,” showcases the band’s eclectic sound and musical dynamics.
April 22, Floor Plan
Twin brothers Kegan and Caleb Swyers along with their older brother Drew don’t just want to entertain audiences. According to their MySpace page, they want to “invite you to join their musical universe.” Combining experimental soundscapes and unconventional rap lyrics, this trio creates a sound that evokes emotion and captivates the imagination. Floor Plan is best known for their live shows bringing a high energy level to audiences around the country.
April 29, Reilly
Hailing from the City of Brotherly Love, Reilly’s symphonic rock sound has garnered national attention and has led to performances at festivals such as Cornerstone and Purple Door. The band, a group of hard working entrepreneurs who recorded their album without the help of a record label, fuses together acoustic and electric guitars, violins and God-centered lyrics.
May 6, Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos
Named one of “Spin” magazines “Who’s Next in 2008,” this indie chamber pop group was formed in 2005 by a group of friends. The Indiana-based group has a growing fan base and has been compared to groups such as The Decemberists, Arcade Fire, and The Shins. This creative collaboration gives audiences a fun-filled show combining a singer/songwriter type style with a bit of infused pop.
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 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.