Alum, student rock writing hub, discuss politics
The Daily Pennsylvanian
March 22, 2004
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College alumnus Dan Fishback and College senior Sara FitzSimmons sing and play in the five-person Dan Fishback Band -- formerly known as Cheese on Bread -- at the Kelly Writers House on Saturday evening.
Photo by Eric Lee/The Daily Pennsylvanian
Kelly Writers House employee Blake Martin is impressed by the novelty of the Dan Fishback Band.
"Dan Fishback is the three P's: political, passionate, peculiar," Martin said.
The Dan Fishback Band -- led by 2003 College graduate Dan Fishback and College senior Sara FitzSimmons -- along with opening act Cesar Alvarez, performed Saturday night.
The setting was an intimate one -- just two house lamps standing behind the stage and a small, engaged audience seated in a room at the Writers House.
Guitarist and saxophonist Alvarez -- a recent graduate from the music conservatory at Oberlin College -- writes his songs using both personal and common experiences.
"I think he's witty, I think he's fun, I think he's engaging," said Michael Goetz, a visitor from out of town. "I'm really glad to be here."
Though he had played only six songs, the audience felt comfortable with Alvarez and he with them.
"College audiences are great," Alvarez said. "They listen really intensely and catch the nuances."
Fresh out of college himself, Alvarez is facing the realities of being a struggling musician.
"I am living in Yonkers now -- feeling that post-graduate-move-into-your-parent's-house depression. Some of you know what that's like; others of you are about to find out," he said.
The Dan Fishback Band -- also known as Cheese on Bread -- is a rising antiestablishment rock band. Fishback, who is openly gay, is known for his union of current politics, trenchant humor and simple music. The five-person band is influenced by the anti-folk movement that originated in New York City's Sidewalk Cafe.
Fishback has played at the Writers House numerous times and has developed a small but loyal following.
His lyrics had the audience roaring with laughter and -- after Fishback jokingly suggested that President George W. Bush had some curiously homosexual proclivities -- standing in approval.
"Dan was fabulous," University of the Arts prospective student Ross Monroe said. "His music was very gay -- both in a homosexual way and in an upbeat, happy way."
In the middle of his set, Fishback sent his band offstage in order to play two songs by himself and to address political issues with the audience. Among the topics mentioned was the millions of people around the world who were protesting against the war in Iraq, which began a year ago Saturday.
"Dan is one of my favorite people to play with," said Sara Mathews, one of the band's two backup singers. "He's hilarious, he's fun and he's quirky. And he has a whole lot of energy."