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stage presence // THE DACTYLS
local musicians, feel free to swoon.
When your friends are talented musicians, you kind of have to start a band. That's what happened to the Dactyls. John Bergwell knew his brother, Nick, and friend, Brendan Costello, were the best guitarists he knew. "Nick's the kind of guy who will sit and play for hours just because he really enjoys playing," Bergwell says. So four years ago, they started a band. With drummer John Momberg, they recorded two 7-inch singles and released an EP.
Mombeg left the band late last year to play with the Appleseed Cast and Old Cane, and was replaced by Dan Benson.
The Dactyls played South by Southwest in 2009 and while in Austin recorded a full length LP that was produced and mixed for free by producer Jim Vollentine, who has worked with bands such as And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead and Spoon. They spent two weeks at Jack Rock's Tree Fort Studios, which is home to a huge collection of classic gear, including tube mics and old amps. The band used the retro gear and recorded analog, on 2-inch tapes, to achieve their characteristic sound.
// BETH BEAVERS
"It's loud." Bergwell says. "It's rock music."
because not many bands do it.
Its loud, Bergween says. Its so loud.
Bergwell, who plays bass, says they use alternative tuning and inverted phrasing to make their music more textured. The tuning defines their sound
The band is in the process of looking for a label to release their LP. But they love being productive and writing new music. They have already finished writing another album. They will go back to Austin in late spring and record it with Volleintine producing again.
this weekend // STOMP THE HILL
because those CSI marathons are getting old.
Get ready to witness ground-breaking performances that are sure to rock the campus hills.
Historically African-American fraternities and sororites from the University are competing in the second annual step contest. Stomp the Hill.
Stepping, which has its roots in African tradition, is a form of dance where the participant uses hand gestures, footsteps and chanting to create syncopated rhythms. Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Omega Theta chapter is stepping in the competition and has rehearsed since February. Caryn Smith, Leavenworth senior and chapter president, says stepping is one of the characteristics the sorority is recognized for. "Using your body to make rhythms and beats is really entertaining." Smith says. She says despite grueling three hour practices, she's created a close bond with her sorority members.
Brianna Berkley, Wichita junior and chapter vice president, says the performers want the audience to be involved in the show by shouting words of encouragement and clapping. She says the audience involvement creates an intense and lively atmosphere.
Although the stepping competition is the main event, the line-up also includes a variety of other performances such as a drill team comprised of
young children, Unity dance troupe and a DJ. First place receives a cash prize and second and third place winners receive a trophy. The National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc., an organization composed of nine international and historically African-American fraternities and sororities, is in charge of the competition.
Come scope out the competition at 6:30 p.m. this Saturday at the Lied Center, 1600 Stewart Avenue. The event is open to the public and tickets are $12.
// ANNA KATHAGNARATH
Contributed photo
In step Soronity members of Zeta Phi Beta will compete in the second annual step contest Stomp the Hill this Saturday at the Lied Center.
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