Students looking for something out of the ordinary to do this Friday night, look no further than the local Trolley Stop, located at 530 E. Fifth St. in the Oregon District, where the critically acclaimed Charles Walker Band will be making an appearance.
The Milwaukee-based band has been playing music for eight years. Band member Charles Walker plays saxophone and keyboard, the lead singer is Porsche Carmon, Brad Karas is on bass and Terence Pettigrew is on drums. The band, which has toured over 40 cities around the United States, is now bringing its act to Dayton where Walker said he hopes to find a new and diverse audience, particularly the students of the University
of Dayton.
Though Walker describes the band as initially being a “soul band that started as a blues band,” the band has explored many different genres since its formation. Its current music and sound is primarily funk and R&B, but Walker said they are willing to play genres out of their comfort zone, as seen in their recent dabbling into reggae music. This eclectic range of music the Charles Walker Band is known for playing has been a key to their success. Walker said he believes “people are drawn to the [music] naturally since we play so many different genres, which attracts lots of different people.” With their open approach to music, Walker and the band hope to attract a wide range of audiences of various ages and musical tastes.
Besides the promise of great music, the band promises a good time to its audience with its stage presence, creating a friendly rapport with the audience and ensuring entertainment throughout the performance. Walker, a former improvisational comedian, credits his former career with creating a fun and comfortable atmosphere for his audience.
“We love what we do and are having a good time, and I think that shows when we’re performing,” Walker said.
The band has opened for performers such as BB King, Aaron Nevelle, Booker T., Earth Wind & Fire, and encourages UD students to come out and see the show. Director of Jazz Studies and Associate Professor Willie Morris III, also encourages students to check out the band.
“I’ve heard about the band in passing,” Morris said. “They have great starting talents and good original music as well as covers. Quite entertaining.”
Though there may be students skeptical of seeing the band, as they may not be a particular fan of the genre, Morris believes this shouldn’t stop them from coming to the show.
“People should always give [new music] a try,” he said. “It may touch a certain part of you that you never knew you had.”
Walker also advises students who may be on the fence about coming to the show to attend. “Besides a great show, they are going to miss me lie on my back with a saxophone,” he said. Walker said this is a signature move of his that has been a staple in the bands performances. Students will have the opportunity to experience this and what Maximum Ink magazine calls, “Music to season your soul with” at 9:30 p.m. Friday, Sept 21.
For more information on the Charles Walker Band, visit their website at www.walkerband.com and check out the album “Resouled!” a collection of live music recorded from their previous tour in Louisville and Milwaukee.
