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Big Stack Daddy
Staggering to the stage, Big Stack Daddy's eclectic band of characters makes you wonder:What kind of music am I in for?
Photos by Kristopher McDonald
The two original members of the group, Byron James, 53, and Michael Paull, 47, have been playing together for nearly six years under the moniker Big Stack Daddy.
Just three months ago, the pair decided to expand the group, hoping to appeal to a younger audience.
Peter Longofono, Topeka junior, and Colby Earleywine, 25, auditioned and made the cut after a few minutes of groveling to with the elder statesmen of the group, James jokingly says.
Two old, two young: Big Stack Daddy decided to appeal to a younger audiences by adding two younger band mates. Check out more about the band at www.myspace.com/bigstackdaddy and www. bigstackdaddy.com
"The truth is they attracted chicks in from the college to watch us," James says, "and Peter knows plenty of attractive girls."
All jokes aside, the two young musicians made the cut based on their ability. Paull says.
"Peter and Colby are both very talented and were
exactly what we were looking for" Paull says,
"The just fit for us."
After the taking time to gel, the group has begun to venture out into the Lawrence music scene, playing at the Jazzhaus and the Replay Lounge recently.
James and Paull say the change has been positive for the group and everyone seems to be meshing well.
However, ask the group to describe its music and everyone has a difficult time.
"Singer/songwriter-style rock and roll"
Paull says.
"Lyrical electric," Earleywine says.
"And a little jazz," Longofono adds.
While they try to figure it out, Big Stack Daddy will also keep trying to "perpetuate the myth" with their onstage antics, Longofono says.
- Kristopher McDonald
Out&About
[ what is your best or worst Valentine's Day experience? ]
"My best was probably when I had dinner at the Plaza and a carriage ride afterwards."
Kirsten Kwon, Chicago junior
"My worst Valentine's Day was when my mom got me a present." Ben Antes, Overland Park junior
"My best was when my boyfriend baked cookies for me at his house. We had been broken up a couple months before that and he asked me out again. We have been together for a little over four years now." Brianne Burlin, Stilwell freshman
"As an insensitive male, most of my Valentine's Day experiences have been bland."
Mike Conner, Shawnee graduate student
"My most memorable would have to be when my boyfriend took me out to dinner. I dumped him on the car ride home."
Alex Surface, Kansas City, Missouri, freshman
"My worst Valentine's Day was last year's. My boyfriend of four years broke up with me on that very day, I've hated Valentine's Day since I've been little, but I have to say I hate it even more now." Allie Tyner, Council Grove sophomore
"My favorite Valentine's Day had to have been when I was in Florence last year. We drank a bottle of wine as we crossed the Arno River on our way to a friend's apartment. Our professors even came. It was incredible."
Amanda Janssen, Wichita senior
—Tanner Grubbs
February 12, 2009
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