Local bands bring some pop-punk and rock to the Pub
By Samantha Brandbergh
A showcase of local bands enlivened the Pub Sept. 26, entertaining students with a mix of punk-pop and rock music.
Save Face, Diet, Scoutmaster Jack, and The Black Sox Scandal appeared thanks to the Arts Management Association (AMA), which has begun providing events such as this.
“[Punk] is a diverse style that appeals to just about everyone,” Brandon Ponzo, the president of the AMA said. “It’s really hard to be at a punk show and not have loads of fun.”
Once the show started, the event generated what some would call an “intimate-sized” audience.
“Our first time doing this [which was in March], about 120 people showed up, and this time ended up being about 140,” said Ponzo.
The crowd seemed to be as diverse as the music, with a group of girls jumping around and a couple guys moshing in the corner.
The first band to hit the stage was The Black Sox Scandal from Ewing. They released an acoustic EP entitled “Nothing Seemed So
Perfect” in March 2013 along with an EP “Forward Progress.”
“[The Pub] was an awesome venue,” said Tom Smeaton, the lead singer of the band. “[It had a] really good atmosphere and the people there really seemed to be into it for all of the bands.”
The way that the crowd responded left the band wanting to come back to perform in the Pub again, Smeaton said.
After a short intermission, Scoutmaster Jack, a self-proclaimed “pop-punk/easycore” band from Yonkers, N.Y., performed. The band includes Joey Bilancia and Bobby Azzari (vocals and lead guitar), Brian DeGennaro on bass and vocals, and Frank De Santis on drums. The four friends put on an energetic show consisting of music influenced by Four Year Strong, Alkaline Trio, Yellowcard and The Wonder Years.
Diet, an emo- and punk-influenced band from Staten Island, N.Y., was third to take the stage. It consisted of members Thom Kinnear (guitar and lead vocals), Chris Taranto (guitar and vocals), Fernando Hernandez (bass), and Joe Frazzetto (drums). They’ve been a band for a few years now, but this was their first show with a new drummer. Despite that, they sounded seamless and the crowd appeared to love their performance.
Much like the rest of the bands that performed, Diet would love to come back and play again.
The band Save Face from TCNJ closed the night. The members, Chris Hranj (bass), Tyler Cranden (guitar and vocals), Shane Dermanjian (guitar), Tyler Povanda (vocals), and Chris Wills (drums), loved performing at the Pub.
“We were really impressed with the way the show was run and the solid turnout we had,” said Povanda.
Povanda also praised Will Gallagher, the public relations chair of the AMA, saying, “Will did a really solid job promoting and organizing the event. Hopefully he continues to have the opportunity to bring local music to Rider.”
Ponzo said that there will be more events to come.
“In the past year, Arts Management Association has been trying to branch out and think outside the box about what sorts of events can benefit Rider the most, and “Live in the Pub” is quickly becoming a big part of that conversation, along with Comedy Night [which is expected to be] Dec.10.”
The next “Live in the Pub” event, which is scheduled for Nov. 14, will possibly explore some softer, indie talent, said Ponzo.
With the past events at the Pub being a hit, the AMA looks forward to forthcoming events.
“We’re just trying to help everyone have a good time at Rider, and have fun ourselves doing what we love: producing quality arts event and sharing our good times with others,” said Ponzo.
printed in the 10/1/14 edition
