07/26/12

Story by Anne Hunt, 913-496-8500 Ext. 3373

Light up the Lawn Concert

Light up the Lawn at JCCC wraps up the season with performances by two bands

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Johnson County Community College wraps up its summer Light Up the Lawn series with the appearance of two local bands, The Latenight Callers and Victor & Penny. The event, which is free and open to the public, takes place at 8 p.m. (dusk) Friday, Aug. 24 on the front lawn of the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art. 

The Latenight Callers, who appeared in last summer’s lineup, return to JCCC bringing their eclectic, sultry sounds to the stage. Dressed in classic film noir attire, this band performs mostly original music described in their bio as noir-a-go-go reminiscent of a vintage lounge act with a modern, electric edge. Band member Nick Combs said, “Think of it as a house band at David Lynch’s pool party.”

Locally, the band has performed at Record Bar and Riot Room and in Lawrence at The Bottleneck.  They have also traveled throughout the country to appear in music festivals and nightclubs including the Noir City Nightclub 10th Anniversary celebration and fundraiser in San Francisco.

In addition to Combs, the band features the talents of Krysztof Nemeth, Julie Berndsen, Ellen O’Hayer and Gavin Mac. They are currently promoting the much anticipated and recently released Easy Virtues EP. More band information and music downloads can be found at www.thelatenightcallers.com.

Musical duo Victor & Penny start off the evening performing their unique sound which they describe as antique pop, popular songs from the early 20th century performed with a fresh, modern twist with some original arrangements mixed in. Band member Erin McGrane says their music is like “top 40 music before there was top 40.” The songs, some of which were popular nearly 100 years ago, are given a lively, upbeat spin.

The duo is made up of McGrane (Penny) on ukulele and Jeff Freling (Victor) of the Chicago Blue Man Group on guitar. Joining Victor & Penny onstage for this performance is bass player Rick Willoughby of Quixotic.  

McGrane and Freling are currently touring the country to promote their new CD, Antique Pop. In May they were in Colorado to take part in The 5th Annual Denver Ukefest.  Band schedules, music videos and purchase information can be found at www.victorandpenny.com.

Light up the Lawn is co-sponsored by the Nerman, JCCC Performing Arts Series and JCCC Campus Activities Board. Lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets (without alcohol) are welcome.

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