Pomona College of Art After Hours

Pomona College of Art After Hours

Pomona College of Art
Every Thursday, The Pomona College of Art, hosts Art After Hours, which is a free event offered by the college and varies each week. Last Thursday, the college hosted its last Art After Hours event for the Fall, which consisted of a variety of informative lectures, an exploration of art, and of course, live music hosted by KSPC.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to make it to the lecture, but had an opportunity to soak up some culture in the museum before the show started. The museum contains an inviting atmosphere, and I was welcomed with samples of wine, parings of cheese, and other delicacies for my “sweet” or “sour” exploration of wine. Of course, I don’t know a thing about paring and wine tasting, but the staff that conducted the samples were more than happy to explain, and not judge as I rampaged the dark chocolate collection. As I explored further I wandered and absorbed the various pieces of art. From sketches, to rooms dedicated to a specific type, such as industrial, were showcased throughout the white walls. A room that caught my attention was simple, and consisted of large canvases with dye on the fabric that embodied foliage and other nature related visuals.

By 9 p.m. the first band, locals from Fullerton, Canyons, began setting up in preparation to debut its first appearance as a six piece band. Consisting of a drummer, bassist, guitarist, who is also the lead singer, keyboardist, and two female backup vocalists, Canyons emulated an indie-joy, alternative rock sound with unique features such as the drummer and vocalist, who definitely caught my attention. A variety of songs were played, such as “Cotillion,” from the No Man is an Island EP. A personal favorite song, which is composed of heavy funk elements, intense drumming, which makes the sound fuller, and Jeremy Leasure’s ability of controlling and bending notes as he sings.

Following up Canyons’ set were L.A. natives, and no stranger to Burger Records, The Aquadolls. Or as Melissa Brooks put it, “half of The Aquadolls,” which consisted of herself and guitarist Ryan Frailich. This was their “acoustic” set, despite each being plugged in, and the duo gave a unique performance of their songs. Brooks belted out the first track from their set, “Love Always Remains,” with a simple Boss Distortion pedal and the essential “Big Muffs” pedal. Despite being two of The Aquadolls, Brooks perfectly captured the surf-esq and Doo-Wop vibe we’ve grown to love throughout her songs. The Aquadolls then decided to slow it down by the fifth song, with “First kiss,” and Brooks encouraged the crowd, “If you have a potential lover slow dance with them.”

It was pleasant, crisp evening, and there was something there for everyone. KSPC brought out a table to display new buttons and patches, while the bands played, alongside with The Aquadolls merchandise, and Brooks herself, chatting with fans. Lastly, how could I forget, the food being relocated from the museum to the courtyard, which made the night a little bit more delicious.

Blog By Janette Ayub

Image courtesy of Marc PhuFlickr License

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