Murphy’s Kids Excite Crowds
February 2, 2009 • By Jess Novak, The Breeze
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CORRECTION
In the article “Murphy’s Kids Excites Crowds” in the Feb. 2 article of The Breeze the seventh paragraph is about the opening band Among Criminals, not Murphy’s Kids. The picture accompanying the article also features the lead singer of Among Criminals not the lead singer of Murphy’s Kids.
The article should read:
Blue Nile hosts popular local band Friday night
HARRISONBURG, Va. —“Everyone, take a knee,” said John Charlet, lead singer of Murphy’s Kids, on Friday night at the Blue Nile on South Main Street. “Take a knee and as the rhythm section brings it up, imagine you’re four years old again — and butt naked — and we’ll all go nuts.”
Everyone did.
There is something about the energy of Murphy’s Kids shows that no other band can seem to duplicate or compete with. There is always consistency in the band’s passionate and energetic delivery, whether it is in Harrisonburg or on the road.
“I don’t know if everyone noticed all the problems,” said trombone player, DJ Kyriakides, in reference to several technical failures, “but everyone seemed to have a good time anyway.”
The issues went unnoticed as the crowd jumped, sang, sweat and dangled from the ceiling (literally), shaking Blue Nile from beginning to end of the extended set, undisturbed by any missed notes.
“You could be anywhere in the world right now,” said Charlet between songs. “But we want to thank you for being right here, with us, tonight.”
The crowd was happy to join the Richmond band and visibly excited to see a new set of faces in Harrisonburg. Among Criminals, a Philadelphia-based band made their first local appearance opening for Murphy’s Kids Friday night, making a distinct impression on those in attendance.
“They played a great show last night,” said Dan Schwartz, Among Criminals’s friend, unofficial manager and sales representative. “It was huge, 500 people, but the crowd here tonight was just as great.”
The crowd showed its appreciation for the trio by clapping, dancing and cheering for more, especially as lead guitarist and singer, Ryan Gaughan and bassist and vocalist, Bean, put their strings aside in exchange for percussion. As the two joined drummer Jarrod Pedone in a crescendoing frenzy of overlapping rhythms, the basement of the Ethiopian restaurant exploded at the climax.
“I took my friends Zach and Kerry to the show and they loved it,” said senior Jimmy Oliverie. “The crowd was into it and friendly. It was definitely a great show.”
Friday night at Blue Nile was not only a great show, but also an important night for Murphy’s Kids to promote their new album due out later this spring. The band released a demo at the show Friday to spread the word about their newest project and will be seen again in Harrisonburg in just a few weeks on Feb. 21.
Contact Jess Novak at novakjl@jmu.edu
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