2008 Woodie Awards
Guitars Unplugged
Diantha Leavitt
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Life
- Page 1 of 1
It wasn't the $350 guitar package, and it wasn't the title of Guitars Unplugged Champions that motivated the performers to compete; it was the chance to display a passion for music in front of a large audience that brought most bands and soloist out for Guitars Unplugged on Oct. 2 in the Pond Student Union Building Ballroom.
Before they won the competition, Nir Lif band member Greg Johnson said, "It'd be nice (to win), but the crowd reaction was the most satisfying." Nir Lif was the only band that got a standing ovation from some audience members unlike some other better-known ISU bands.
Nir Lif members Johnson, Casey Cathey and Shawn Barkdull were complimented by other performers.
"I would pay to go see them," said Trifecta cellist Mark Anderson.
Third place went to Denis Demshar, who sang a humorous-yet graphic song-of a young stalker. Second place went to Barrett Kotowski, who has placed every year since the competition's inception.
Kotowski elicited a huge reaction to the females in the audience. After his performance, the judges asked him which bands influenced him. The young musician responded that he loved "a lot, a lot, a lot" of different kinds of music.
The emcee said "Well, there are a lot, a lot, a lot of ladies out there who love you to," to the shouts of high-pitched female screams.
"That would be my mom and my sister," Kotowski said.
The evening showcased a lot of undiscovered ISU talent. Greyhouse Effect guitarist Joe Hunt said he was excited for the chance for his band to get more exposure from such a large and diverse audience. Usually, his band only performs at coffee shops or small stores about twice a month.
"I didn't come here for a competition," Hunt said, "It'd be hard to split a $300 guitar package three ways. We're here for fun."
For newly-formed band Single Track, the experience was one to remember.
"It was a blast," said Single Track guitarist Chad Smith. "It's a rush. I just got to have more of it."
The members of Trifecta all live in the same house. Ashley Smith, Anderson and Lindsey Shearer say it is convenient for practice. "We just pound on the stairs and Mark comes up for rehearsal," Smith said.
The cat calls and noise of the crowd got rowdier as the night progressed. From the applause, it seemed that most had a good time.
"No one was mediocre," said audience member Alyson Mayes, "everyone was really good.
Before they won the competition, Nir Lif band member Greg Johnson said, "It'd be nice (to win), but the crowd reaction was the most satisfying." Nir Lif was the only band that got a standing ovation from some audience members unlike some other better-known ISU bands.
Nir Lif members Johnson, Casey Cathey and Shawn Barkdull were complimented by other performers.
"I would pay to go see them," said Trifecta cellist Mark Anderson.
Third place went to Denis Demshar, who sang a humorous-yet graphic song-of a young stalker. Second place went to Barrett Kotowski, who has placed every year since the competition's inception.
Kotowski elicited a huge reaction to the females in the audience. After his performance, the judges asked him which bands influenced him. The young musician responded that he loved "a lot, a lot, a lot" of different kinds of music.
The emcee said "Well, there are a lot, a lot, a lot of ladies out there who love you to," to the shouts of high-pitched female screams.
"That would be my mom and my sister," Kotowski said.
The evening showcased a lot of undiscovered ISU talent. Greyhouse Effect guitarist Joe Hunt said he was excited for the chance for his band to get more exposure from such a large and diverse audience. Usually, his band only performs at coffee shops or small stores about twice a month.
"I didn't come here for a competition," Hunt said, "It'd be hard to split a $300 guitar package three ways. We're here for fun."
For newly-formed band Single Track, the experience was one to remember.
"It was a blast," said Single Track guitarist Chad Smith. "It's a rush. I just got to have more of it."
The members of Trifecta all live in the same house. Ashley Smith, Anderson and Lindsey Shearer say it is convenient for practice. "We just pound on the stairs and Mark comes up for rehearsal," Smith said.
The cat calls and noise of the crowd got rowdier as the night progressed. From the applause, it seemed that most had a good time.
"No one was mediocre," said audience member Alyson Mayes, "everyone was really good.
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