Led by former Dispatch frontman Chad Urmston, roots-rock and reggae band State Radio will hit Sargent Gym on Saturday at 8 p.m. for a very promising show.
The band, formed in 2002 by the man who penned such hits as "Flying Horses" and "The General," is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and has accumulated an impressive following in New England over the past four years with its eclectic and powerful brand of music. In February 2006, the band released its first full-length album, "Us Against the Crown."
Campus Activities Board Concerts and Comedy co-chair Emma Reilly '09 said of the decision to bring State Radio to Bowdoin, "We felt that their genre of music would be appealing to a wide range of Bowdoin students. In addition, we hoped to book a band that the Brunswick community would enjoy."
Mixing its own hits with Dispatch classics and spontaneous covers, State Radio has received rave concert reviews as a result of its rare combination of stage presence, energy, and emphasis on audience participation. With a style that has been described as Bob Marley meets Green Day meets Matisyahu, the band's sound is dynamic and unique.
State Radio's songs recently caught the attention of Campus Activities Board co-chair Sarah Scott '07.
"I didn't listen extensively to State Radio before we decided to bring them to Bowdoin," she said, "but after listening to their CD, I'm captivated not only by their memorable [instrumentals], but also by their lyrics."
The band's songs frequently take on political issues, addressing humanitarian concerns that range from the struggles of the lower class to the rights of the elderly and disabled to the war in Iraq. One powerful track from "Us Against the Crown," "Camilo," details the experiences of former National Guard Sergeant and anti-war activist Camilo Mejia.
Portland-based singer-songwriter Pete Kilpatrick will open. Kilpatrick and his band, Reilly said, are extremely excited about being invited to Bowdoin and have already generated a buzz within the area.
"Many of [the band's] fans have already bought tickets," Reilly confirmed. "This is exactly the type of response we would hope for with a ticketed event. While our primary focus is Bowdoin students, we also want to appeal to members of the community."
"Kilpatrick's music is very appealing and has a lot of support from throughout Brunswick and Portland," Scott agreed.
Kilpatrick has toured with with O.A.R., Gavin DeGraw, and the Pat McGee Band. His 2005 album "Yesterday Love" held strong on the Bull Moose Music Top 10 for over a year, leading to his 2006 release, "Louder than the Storm."
The Portland Phoenix said it best in 2006: "Portland has the biggest crush on Pete Kilpatrick."
Scott expects great things for Saturday's event.
"The Campus Activities Board is very excited for the show and thinks that it's very in tune with the music tastes of Bowdoin students and the community," she said. "I think it will be one of the best concerts we've had at Bowdoin."
Tickets are available for $3 to students and $7 to the public at the Smith Union information desk and will be available at the door Saturday evening. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.