Loras College Activity Board (CAB) has done it again. They are bringing in a professional band for us to enjoy during this year’s Spring Dionysia. Last year, it was Eve 6, a band known for its lyrical wordplay and catchy guitar riffs. Their themes for the lyrics related well to the college atmosphere, following the lines of angst, gender identity and romance. Junior Dan Dobson thought that the music was good, and he actually enjoyed the band that opened for Eve 6, named Jupiter One.
“At the end of the whole concert, Jupiter One was still around and talking to the students,” he said. “The crowd also got very rambunctious during Eve 6, which was disappointing, but quite understandable.”
photo by RAJENDRA THAKURATHI
This year’s band, named SafetySuit, is a quartet from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and they currently reside in Nashville, Tennessee. The band is formed by Douglas Brown, Dave Garofolo, Jeremy Henshaw and Tate Cunningham. They released their debut album “Life Left To Go” in 2008. While both SafetySuit and Eve 6 can be categorized under the “alternative” genre, SafetySuit can also fall under the ‘contemporary’ genre. They have been mentioned in various lists, including the Adult Top 40.
Last year, Eve 6 was a band fading from popularity after suffering the loss of their main guitarist a year before. SafetySuit, on the other hand, is an up-and-coming band wanting to get as many supporters they can.
“The band contacted us and asked us to book them,” said Ellen Long, the CAB Concert Chair. She said that they had seen SafetySuit in 2009 at National Association of Campus Activities (NACA), so they were fairly cheap.
Long said that when determining what bands could come to Loras, they look at cost and availability. In addition, whether or not the band has already been in the area becomes a consideration. SafetySuit fit both criteria, and that’s why they are here.
The concert is scheduled for Friday, 9 p.m. at the Rock Bowl, with a tailgate party and free food in front of Smyth Hall from 6-9 p.m.
The band can be accessed, including CD purchasing, at their website—www.safetysuitmusic.com—or at their Myspace page— www.myspace.com/safetySuit.
