Spring Break
Bands rock local clubs
STEPHEN MILLIGAN
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A few local bands want to make sure the new school year is rung in to the sound of rock, and two different clubs are presenting radically different shows.
The band Xtra Medium, a cover band that plays tunes from groups like 311, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine, is playing the free Welcome Back to School Party tonight.
“I’ve been a professional musician for eight years, but Athens is by far my favorite place to play,” said the band’s drummer Cleveland Brown (“like the football team,” he added with a laugh). The band will be playing three sets tonight, including one all 311 set.
“We were all big fans, grew up in the ‘90s on this stuff," he said of their material. “It really took off with our friends, so then we decided not to go with originals and stick with covers.”
Brown said he definitely feels the students will open up to the band, adding that playing the back to school show is an exciting opportunity.
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“We expect the students to be real energized,” Brown said. “I think the students coming back will be excited to see live music again.”
Friday night, The 40 Watt Club is hosting its Back to School Explosion! party with I Am the World Trade Center, Iron Hero, Teenage Meth Lab and new band USSR performing. Doors open at 9 p.m. and admission is $7.
“I’ve organized several of these back to school shows, and I just think it’s a good idea to let students find their way back into the bands,” said Dan Gellar, who plays with both USSR and I Am the World Trade Center,
The show will be one of I Am the World Trade Center’s rare appearances during the year, and the debut show for USSR.
“I haven’t debuted a band in a while,” said Gellar, who is in two other bands in addition to the two performing at The 40 Watt Club. USSR will be opening the event!
Gellar added that the dance party atmosphere around I Am the World Trade Center, which closes the show, is sure to appeal to many students.
Crutchfield said he expects a good crowd due to the beginning of school and is looking forward to the new audiences.
“You may not know it yet, but we’re your new favorite cover band,” Crutchfield said.
Gellar is simply excited about the Explosion!, especially the debut of his new band.
“Get out early and come see all the bands,” Gellar said. He laughed and added, “You can come see USSR succeed ... or fail miserably.”
