Spring Break
Battle of the Bands: Semi-finalists announced
Doug T. Graham and Nick Draper/Verge Reporters
Issue date: 4/10/09 Section: The Verge
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The people have spoken and the five finalists for the Verge/University Board Battle of the Bands have been named.
The top five vote-getters were: AJ Schubert, Howard, Learn to Fly, Little Boy Jr. and MugWump Specific.
These performers will be competing for the approval of the crowd at 7 p.m. on April 16 in 7th Street Underground.
The two top performers, as determined by the ferocity of the frenzy they are able to whip the crowd into and by the rulings of the three judges, will go on to compete at Pantherstock, which will be held in the Library Quad on May 1.
The judges are Milton Allen, director of EIU Bands; Barry Houser, the director of Athletic Bands; and Dan Crews who is coordinating this year's Pantherstock.
The importance of the crowd in the final decision cannot be overstated, the best way to see your favorite Charleston band perform at Pantherstock is by coming to the show and being loud.
AJ Schubert
A newcomer on the Charleston music scene, AJ Schubert brings his style, which he said has been influenced by John Mayer and the Goo-Goo Dolls, to the Battle of the Bands. Although his name stands alone in the headline, Schubert is by no means a solo performer.
At the battle, Schubert will be accompanied by Pat Higelmire on bass, Blake Akers on drums and his brother, John Schubert, on keyboard and electric guitar.
Schubert said he has thought about changing the name for when the band is four people.
"Anything like a Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers," he said. "'AJ Schubert and the Somethings?' If you figure out any good 'AJ Schubert and the…,' you let me know."
Howard
Howard was formed originally by Bryan Rolfsen, lead vocals and guitarist, and Dylan Cain, guitarist, in 2006.
Other members include Sam Fisher on bass and Kyle Ingram on drums.
The band has described themselves as fusion-alternative rock, ranging anywhere from grunge to alternative and funk to reggae.
Howard is just looking to play as much as possible and get a fan base.
"We feel good about (the battle), we've been gigging a lot and made a name for ourselves this year," Rolfsen said.
Learn To Fly
This isn't Learn to Fly's first time at the rodeo; they have been together for more than two years and competed in last semester's Battle of the Bands.
Learn to Fly is made up of three Eastern students - Andy Masters on vocals and guitar, Adam Schneider on bass and Bryant Fritz on drums.
Learn to Fly describes their sound as a mix of "progressive rock and indie," and has an interesting look on the current Eastern music scene.
"It is exactly the music scene I would expect to come from EIU," said Schneider. "It is small and decent."
Little Boy Jr.
Little Boy Junior is another 'Battle'-hardened competitor and has been together for two years. The band's name comes from the song title from Swedish garage-rock band, Mando Diao. The band's other influences are from Mo-Town and 1960s garage-rock. Little Boy Jr. has witnessed a large jump in the number of performances.
"(We're) getting the opportunity to network with a bunch of bands," said Courtney. "I think we played two shows (last year)."
MugWump Specific
MugWump Specific formed two years ago at an open mic night at Jackson Avenue Coffee House by Chris Frederick, drums, and Joe Garrison, lead vocals and guitarist. Other members include English professor Bob Zordani on harmonica, Joe Maestro on bass guitar, and Mattoon citizen Colin St. Michael on keyboards.
"When we first started out, we just were playing house parties, booze-drinkin' music. The people started inviting us out, and we've been doing it ever since," Frederick said.
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