Ghosts, goblins, and T-shirts

The members of “The Haunting of the State” wear their favorites

By Sherie Dyer

The Horror, Twitchboy, smacdada, Swampwitch Revival, Eggbot, and Colostomy play the State Theater, April 13. Call (207) 775-3331.

M.I.A.: Triston Gallagher (Eggbot, drummer), Greg Arnold (S.W.R., drummer), Fred Dodge (S.W.R., bassist), Steve McLean (smacdada, guitars), Todd Richard(Smacdada, percussion/midi drums), Frank Maucheri (Smacdada, horns), Shawn Potter (Smacdada, horns), Shawn Libby (Colostomy, guitarist).

---

The very concept of gathering together six of the more up-and-coming local bands to perform on the same bill is huge enough, but when you get all of the players themselves in one small barroom on a Sunday evening the real scare begins.

“The Haunting of the State” is a monstrous show slated for this Friday the 13th, featuring Twitchboy, The Horror, Colostomy, Eggbot, Swampwitch Revival, and smacdada. Six bands for $5, and an admirable attempt to get a decent sized crowd into the State Theatre. The show is 18+, allowing a lot of younger people to see these bands that usually frequent the bar scene. The show was put together by Wally Wenzel and Ricky-Boy Floyd, guitarist and singer of The Horror respectively. Aside from playing in The Horror, Wenzel also has been the main man in renovating the sound system of the cavernous State. He was the sound man at the Stone Coast when they had live music, and he’s been working very enthusiastically at assembling the professional rig inside Grant Wilson’s new venue. Floyd’s participation in the show goes beyond playing, as well. He’ll be debuting his movie, Attack of the 50-Foot Liar, during the evening’s festivities.

Even a quick look at the flyer for the show reveals Wenzel’s “Walco Industries” stamp alongside Floyd’s signature marker art.

Broken Clown was originally on the bill, but had to drop out due to internal scheduling conflicts. Todd Dadaleares’ improvisational band, smacdada, replaced them on short notice.

On a brief side note, Todd Dadaleares is a seasoned music veteran. His last band, MRC was loved by all and possibly peaked with their last release, Metamorph, in 1995. Dadaleares was later in Twitchboy before his brother Brant replaced him. Between a full-time job and wife, he just didn’t have the time.

smacdada is a textured barrage of turntables, horns, drums, assorted percussion, and bass. The ensemble has included many different people over its one-year life span, including members of Tarpigh and Cerberus Shoal. This performance will include Jason Marshal, bassist of Trivium, and Dadaleares’s long-time friend and musical partner Steve McLean — who ran the now defunct Mobius Recording studio. McLean will be using a guitar and other devices. Todd Richard will be on drums and midi drums, and the horn player is still up in the air. According to Dadaleares, it will either be Frank Maucheri or Shawn “Puffy” Potter. smacdada will add an experimental element to the otherwise rock-ridden show, securing the promise of varied entertainment.

In order to celebrate the event I asked each band member to join me for a beer and a picture in their favorite T-shirt. The results, as I said, were scary.

 

1. Walt Miller (bassist of Colostomy)

Shirt: Infernal Majesty “This shirt is not necessarily my favorite, but it’s one of many. Infernal Majesty is classic death metal!”

Spirits on Haunt: “I can’t believe they’re letting us play, it’s awesome.”

2. Brian Higgins (drummer of Colostomy and The Horror)

Shirt: Blow Bros. “It’s not my favorite, it’s just what I’m wearing today.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I’m excited to play with all of my good friends, more people to pick me up off the floor.”

3. Wally Wenzel (guitarist of The Horror-overall light bringer)

Shirt: Burnout’s Softball Club “It’s actually my second favorite shirt, but my first favorite doesn’t fit me because of the winter. My first one is Save The Bales, an original from the 70’s.

Spirits on Haunt: “It was pretty much all my idea, although Rick did a lot of the legwork. It’s good to see all the bands together, we’ve had a lot of support. I want to thank everyone.”

4. Angus McFarland (guitarist of Swampwitch Revival)

Shirt: Swampwitch Revival w/paint “ I like it.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I’m pleased and excited, even thrilled.”

5. Rubin Little (singer of Swampwitch Revival)

Shirt: baby blue plaid flannel “I don’t have a favorite shirt.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I feel good. Our dressing room door will have the biggest star on it ever!”

6. Jessica Berelli (back up singer of Swampwitch Revival)

Shirt: baby blue long sleeve “Blue is good.”

Spirits on haunt: “I’m looking forward to the sound system of the stage.”

7. Sarah Coggeshall (back-up singer of Swampwitch Revival)

Shirt: The Saturn Bar “I actually left it on Peak’s Island, but it’s my favorite. It’s a sleazy hole in the wall bar in New Orleans.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I too am looking forward to the big stage and professional set up.”

8. Jason Stewart (drummer of Twitchboy)

Shirt: red plaid flannel “Royal Stewart.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I feel motivated. I’m very excited, it’s killer all over. It’s been a while since everyone got together, bands are usually in pigeon holes and pockets.”

9. Todd Hutchison (guitarist/back-up singer of Twitchboy)

Shirt: Boredoms “I like it, it’s a cool color.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I feel motivated.”

10. Brant Dadaleares (singer of Twitchboy)

Shirt: Pabst Blue Ribbon “I like this shirt because a good friend gave it me.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I think it’s going to be insane. This show will be very introspective for me.”

11. Todd Dadaleares (singer/ turn-tables/Jesus of smacdada)

Shirt: Specifications of Sound “It shows how sound travels and moves around.”

Spirits on Haunt: “It’s going to be really cool to have some space to move around. It will be better than turntable tricks, and we’ll have the usual surprises.”

12. Jason Marshal (bassist of Trivium/smacdada)

Shirt: navy Blue “Absolutely no idea.”

Spirits on Haunt: “ I’m excited. We’re totally improv, it’s cool.”

13. Jade Prout (keyboardist of Twitchboy/guitarist of Colostomy)

Shirt: Brutal Truth “I traded it with the band for a purple, sticky, bubble-gummy bud. I also met the singer of A.C that night.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I’m ready.”

14. Leslie Boyle (bassist of The Horror)

Shirt: plain gray “This is the one I wear the most, no real reason. I guess I just like it.

Spirits on Haunt: “I’m excited.”

15. Ricky-Boy Floyd (singer of The Horror)

Shirt: The Night Stalker “I used to watch the show on my Dad’s lap.”

Spirits on Haunt: “Um, I’m tired. Working with all these bands has been a learning experience.”

16. Erik Winter (keyboardist of The Horror)

Shirt: Eggbot “I just like Eggbot”

Spirits on Haunt: no comment could be obtained.

17. Ryan Fleming (bassist of Twitchboy/singer of Colostomy)

Shirt: I Love Eternal Damnation “It’s my favorite because I worship Satan. I got it years ago. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost it.”

Spirits on Haunt: “I’m psyched for the big night.”

18. Eggbot (keyboardist/singer/Christ of Eggbot)

Shirt: She-Devils on Wheels “I really have ten favorite shirts, so on any day I’m wearing one.”

Spirits on Haunt: “What? Was there a show? Just kidding! It’s awesome, all of these bands together.”

All of these bands will be together at the State Theatre this Friday the 13th. DO: get off your ass and support your local music scene. DON’T: ask any of them to wear a favorite T-shirt. Maybe next time I’ll try shoes.

Sherie Dyer can be reached at sheriedyer@netscape.net.