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By Jessica Savrock
- For Blue Magazine
The Brewery is going back to the 80’s!
For Blue Magazine
Tuesday, February 5 will be the bar’s first-ever 80’s night, put on by Cherry Darling Productions. Bands expected to take the stage include Hollywood Babylon and the Barroom Pirates. The show will be headlined by The Wilcox Hotel.
The Barroom Pirates model their sound off of the old-school punk artists such as The Clash and The Misfits, and mix it with sounds from a variety of bands like AC/DC, Johnny Cash and Huey Lewis and the News.
"We’ve played everything from Bad Religion to Metallica," said lead guitarist TJ French.
But the Barroom Pirates don’t focus on cover songs. Rather, they have successfully increased their set list to include a high percentage of original music, and have even done some live recordings based on those songs.
"We’ll play [cover] songs we like and if we decide to play it live we will," said guitarist/vocalist Johnny Counselman. He added that they play two covers to every 10 originals.
According to the band, which includes drummer Doug Kreisel and bassist Ben Fisher (who took over for his brother Jon who is studying abroad in London), some of their original material is based off of bigger-picture news and events, such as national politics. However, a lot of their songs are based on the experiences they’ve had right here in State College.
French explained the basis behind a song he wrote, called Welcome to the Cornfield. According to French, the song is based on his personal walk through downtown State College one night. As he walked by several bars, he heard the same song being played by two very different cover bands – and neither rendition did the original song justice.
"[It made me think] if you’re going to kill a good song, why not just play original music," French said.
The band came together nearly three years ago, when French and Counselman decided to form a punk group. Despite a few bumps in the road, including broken down cars, sick drummers and going through three bass players in a three month time period, the band is successfully making its presence known to the local music scene. With the help of Cherry Darling Productions, specifically spokeswoman Meredith Rebar, they have been frequently playing at The Brewery.
"I wish there were more venues opening up to local bands," said French. "I have to give props to Meredith for bringing this to The Brewery."
Though this is an up-and-coming band that is fairly new to the music scene, The Barroom Pirates hope that you’ll take time out of a Tuesday night to come out and support local original music.
"Come to see us just for something new around town," said Counselman.
"If you don’t come out, your face won’t get rocked off," added French.
So come out and get your face rocked off, 80’s style, Tuesday night at The Brewery.
"I’m going to get a big ol’ porno mustache and mullet for the occasion," joked French.
Band Members:
Johnny Counselman – Guitar, vocals
TJ French – Lead guitar
Doug Kreisel – Drums
Ben Fisher – Bass guitar
In Print
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