Different genres of music combine for Union concert

By Mark Richmond
Senior Writer

Arvin Red and Greaser’s Palace are two local bands with nothing in common. Yet it is for this reason that the two are hosting a free concert at 9 p.m. Friday in the south tower of the Union.

Brandon Thomas, a senior in the School of Liberal Arts and the trumpet player and vocalist for Arvin Red, said, "We thought it would be interesting to put two different types of music on stage."

Arvin Red is unlike many local bands because it does not play original pieces or cover songs. Instead, it makes up material on stage without any prior rehearsal or planning.

"Either bass or drums will start off with a little rhythm and then the other instruments will start in," Thomas said. "From that point, we’ll follow the music to wherever it takes us. We put normal structures into the song; we build it up and add some tension, speed it up and then slow it down."

Greaser’s Palace, however, plays a wide range of cover and original songs. Tom Kiesel, a junior in the School of Science and bassist for the band, said Greaser’s Palace is primarily a punk band. "We’re fairly broad-based and very low-key," said Kiesel. "The word 'punk' applies pretty well to us. We rock harder than the law will allow."

Kiesel praised Arvin Red’s talent and said that the style difference between the two bands was a big motivation for holding the concert.

"It’s really great stuff to dance to," said Kiesel, referring to Arvin Red’s music. "In many ways it’s a contrast to what we do. They don’t have any songs planned, while we have a good number of original songs and we cover songs between John Mellencamp and Nine Inch Nails."

Elliott Leslie, a senior in the Schools of Engineering and bassist for Arvin Red, said the band’s improvisational style is well received by local audiences.

"It really allows for a lot of interaction with the audience," said Leslie. "At first it was difficult, but now we’re able to find cohesion within what we’re doing."

Leslie said that the lyrics are also improvised. "The audience is excited by the fact that everything is created on the spot and it creates a feeling of excitement and discovery," he said.

Kiesel said Greaser’s Palace has enjoyed performing at local free concerts in the past. "We played at College Town Coffee, which was a lot of fun; the crowd there was awesome," Kiesel said.

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