Volume 124 Issue 124
kansan.com
Friday, March 30, 2012
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
FINAL FOUR-CAST
UDK
the student voice since 1904
ENTERTAINMENT
--downtown every month
Harry Potter Rocks
The boy who lived lives on thanks to a local wizard rocker. //KELSEY CIPOLLA
Ever wonder what happened to Harry Potter after he defeated Voldemort? He became a rock star, trading in his wand for a guitar and fighting to keep music fun. He also owns an art gallery.
Ok. fine. Even as a super fan, I'm willing to admit Harry Potter is a fictional character, but Paul DeGeorge, the very real owner of Wonder Fair, the downtown Lawrence art gallery and store, is keeping his name and spirit alive and rocking with his band, Harry and the Potters.
The band formed in 2002 as a joke between Harry Potter aficionados and brothers Paul and Joe DeGeorge. The duo had always appreciated concept bands and thought the idea of playing punk rock to kids in libraries was the perfect blend of subversion and fun.
With voices that sound like indie-rock darling Connor Oberst and lyrics that put a hilarious spin on scenes and characters from the iconic books, they quickly became more successful than they had imagined.
Their fan base was built-in, thanks to the series' devoted fan following, Paul DeGeorge says. Lovers of the books came out to see the band play at libraries, bookstores, Potter-themed events and more traditional concert venues across the country.
They were at the forefront of what is now known as "Wizard Rock," an entire genre of music based off of the world of Harry Potter.
"I think that it's amazing the Harry Potter series is able to inspire people to make a subgenre of music, and even a whole sub-culture," says Kim Barrientos, a junior from Kansas City, Kan., and a big fan of Harry Potter. "It shows how powerful and meaningful a story can be for readers of all ages."
Giselle Anatol, an associate English professor at the University who teaches the book in her children's literature class and edited a book of scholarly essays about the series, says that she has found current college students to be the most dedicated fans. Many of us grew up with Harry and company, waiting in bookstores and movie theaters until midnight to buy the newest book or watch the latest movie.
Joe and Paul were only 15 and 23 when they started the band, but a lot has changed over the past decade. They independently released seven albums, including a Christmas album, and went on several tours. A few years ago, Paul settled down in Lawrence, where he owns Wonder Fair with his fiancee, a doctoral student at the University.
Summer Bradshaw, a Wonder Fair staff member and a senior from Olathe, was working on making fliers for the show when I stopped in to ask her what it's like to have a boss that moonlights as Harry Potter.
"It's a fun time," Summer says. "It's a big part of his life, and I think they're pretty rad." Paul's fondness for the series even makes remembering the office WiFi password easier, since
The brothers DeGeorge will play at Wonder Fair tonight, Thursday, March 29 at 7 p.m. as part of their current Midwest tour, which proves there's life for Harry and the Potters even after the end of Harry Potter.
"What we were finding was there are still a lot of new people coming to Harry Potter, parents bringing their kids into that world," says Paul. "If anything, I think we can fill a gap now that there aren't any books or movies. There are still people out there who love Harry Potter and want to celebrate that."
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Left: The band's second album, "Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock!" was released in 2004. The DeGeorge brothers worked on it in their parent's shead before taking off to tour the country. Right: Harry and the Potters' self-titled debut album featured some of the Wizard rock's most recognizable songs, including "Save Ginny Weasley."
JOE and Paul DeGeorge, brothers from Massachusetts, take on the character of Harry Potter during their shows.
Wizard rock guide
For a genre built around a children's book series, Wizard Rock has produced a diverse range of groups. Of course they are united by a few common traits, including a love of Harry Potter and an ability to turn easily over-looked details into catchy songs.
DRACO AND THE MALFOYS
Draco and the Malfoys take on the persona of Harry's childhood nemesis, Draco Malfoy. Expect lots of insults about poor people and orphans, and a surprising amount of bluegrass. TOP SONGS: My Dad is Rich, Potions Yesterday, A Gift for Lucius
MINISTRY OF MAGIC
This trio takes its name from the government agency that rules over Potter's wizarding world, but their songs are better for dancing than bureaucracy. Assuming the clubs you frequent aren't full of muggles TOP SONGS: House Song, Accio Love, Gryffindor Rally Cry
THE PARSELMOUTHS
This female duo, which sounds like a mix between Lisa LQeb and L.A.T.u, produced three albums in a year before calling it quits in 2009. It's a far cry from what the name suggests--parselmouths are people that can talk to snakes in their native hisses. TOP SONGS: What Kind of Name is Hermione, The Day I Met a Snake, Voldemort Fangirl
THE REMUS LUPINS
Named for Harry Potter's favorite teacher who also happens to be a werewolf, The Remus Lupins produce cheerful indie pop with classic rock influences. TOP SONGS: Lovely Lily, At Hogwarts, Marauders Worst Memory
OTHER WIZARD ROCK ACTS: The Moaning Myrtles, The Butterbeer Experience, The Mudbloods, Justin Finch Fletchley and the Sugar Quills, The Whomping Willows, The Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, Tom Riddle and Friends
"This sort of energy is good for Lawrence, and it is a more cohesive night for everybody" Murphy said.
This Friday, 26 businesses and galleries downtown will take part in the event. Lost Space Art, 845
Before it started, artists and galleries worked individually. Murphy said the art community is now coming together, and there is more emphasis on community projects.
12. FOXTROT (823 Massachusetts St.)
Edited by Corinne Westeman
13. LOVE GARDEN SOUNDS (822 Massachusetts St.)
Lawrence Art Center, Downtown Lawrence Incorporated, the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, art galleries and artists collaborated in August 2010 to create the monthly event.
In 2011, Jessie Kelley, a senior from Wichita, curated a gallery specifically for 16 college students.
"A recent economic impact study shows that Final Fridays are bringing in at least $85,000 each final Friday to restaurants and businesses around the locations," said Final Fridays Coordinator Molly Murphy.
14. DOWNTOWN UPSTAIRS (824 1/2 Massachusetts St.)
5. SIGNS OF LIFE (722 Massachusetts St.)
Among the local artists who participate in the event, University students have taken advantage of showcasing their work during the event.
"We've had anyone from KU professors, to people who ship their art in from Seattle," said Summer Bradshaw, an intern at Wonder Fair Art Gallery, 803 $ \frac{1}{2} $ Massachusetts Street.
"Final Fridays gets people in the store," said Irene Walker, an artist and employee at BDC Tattoo. "Sometimes there are people who would never step foot in a tattoo shop that have come in."
Artists from around the country, as well as those from the Lawrence area, have benefited from Final Fridays.
4. LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY (707 Vermont St.)
15. PHOENIX GALLERY (825 Massachusetts St.)
Like many downtown galleries, its busiest day of the month is on the last Friday.
Art.
"The place gets pretty packed," Flinders said. "The town is on fire on Final Fridays."
3. THE ELDRIDGE HOTEL (701 Massachusetts St.)
7. TELLER'S RESTAURANT UPSTAIRS (746 Massachusetts St.)
Big Daddy Cadillacs Tattoo, 938 Massachusetts Street, features one artist a month. This Friday, they are showing Erin Brazler's "Fatties on Parade" exhibition, which are marker-drawn portraits of humorous cartoon characters.
17. THE BOURGEOIS PIG (6 E. 9th St.)
16. LOST ART SPACE (845 Massachusetts St.)
6. THE LAWRENCE ART PARTY (718 New Hampshire St.)
18. Z's DIVINE DOWNTOWN ESPRESSO (10 E. 9th St.)
8. PACHAMAMAS (800 New Hampshire St.)
ies, such as the Fox Trot shoe store. 823 Massachusetts Street, also participate in Final Fridays. Owner Caroline Mithias said the event brings in a lot of foot traffic into her store, and it supports the art community.
9. SMILING MAD DESIGNS & INKELLO LETTERPRESS
(801.5, Suite 3 Massachusetts St.)
ERS
eting Corp.
CRYPTOQUIPS 4A SPORTS 1B
OPINION 5A SUDKUO 1A
LRS
CLASSIFIEDS 2B
CROSSWORD 4A
E7A
1S
Index
21. LAWRENCE ARTS CENTER (940 New Hampshire)
22. KANSAS SAMPLER (921 Massachusetts St.)
23. THE GRANADA
(1020 Massachusetts St.)
24. AIMEE'S CAFE & COFFEE SHOP (1025 Massachusetts St.)
25. WATKINS COMMUNITY MUSEUM (1047 Massachusetts St.)
6E 6A
E 7A
26. 1109 GALLERY
(1109 Massachusetts St.)
, unless stated otherwise, © 2012 The University Daily Kansan
Today's Weather
Continuing student enrollment begins for summer and fall semesters, 2012. For more info, see Office of the Registrar, www.registrar@ku.edu.
Skies will be clear with a warm temperature and a calm north wind.
Everyone can see you sweating.