Six Year Sophomore's four members all belong to the Theta Chi fraternity at Kansas University, and that's where they formed their band. While two of the musicians live in the fraternity house, and they practice in a small room in a building behind the house, that's the extent of band's linkage to Greek life.
Six Year Sophomore, from left; Mike Combs, Shaun Fortuna, Drew Voegele and Kyle Burnett
Sure, they'd play a fraternity or sorority partyif they got paid, and if it was at another house, but don't expect to drop in and see these guys jamming in the living room while the beer flows. They're too busy trying to make their reputation in local and regional clubs.
Only together as a foursome since April 2001, the band formed when songwriter, singer and guitar player Shaun Fortuna met drummer Kyle Burnett and bassist Mike Combs who were already playing together, as a cover band. The lineup was completed when lead guitarist Drew Voegele stepped up and revealed his instrumental skills to the others, that till that point hadn't even known that he played.
While all but Burnett, a junior, are indeed currently sophomores, it's not likely any of them will spend five more years as underclassmen. While they're all committed to pursuing this band's fortunes through every door that opens, they're also committed to completing their education and pursuing professional careers. For example, Voegele, a mechanical engineering major plans to design cars.
| Sponsoring Venues |
| If you'd like to have your venue listed here, contact Christine McConkey at 832-7266, or email her at cmcconkey@ljworld.com. |
| If you would like to be profiled as a musician on theMagonline.com, please e-mail Michael Newman. |
For each of the musicians in Six Year Sophomore, this is the first working band experience, the first time playing out in the clubs and getting paid. The four members cite divergent musical tastes, but amonge all of their influences they could come to agreement on Weezer, though bands as varied as Metallica and Ultimate Fakebook are mentioned.
Six Year Sophomore is looking forward to share a bill with Ultimate Fakebook on April sixth, when they'll be performing as part of Shawnee Mission West High School's "Rock For Hope" benefit for Children's Mercy Hospital. Thulium is also on the bill.
Six Year Sophomore will once again appear at the Jazzhaus on Aprill 11, and have bookings planned or in the works for as far afield as Manhattan, and Columbia, Missouri.
No comments
Commenting is turned off for this story.