Introducing Greenfield's Basement Bands, Local Talent

The same thing happens every Sunday – our house fills with a sound so loud that the windows shake and the floor joists vibrate. Believe it or not, it’s a sound that we look forward to once a week when my son Ben’s band Blueskyportrait gets together to practice.

People have asked me, “how can you stand all that noise” or “why do you put up with that racket?" To be honest, I never know how to respond because I love having “our” boys - Ben, Nate, Alex, Joey, Leo, and #1 fan Ben W. gather in the basement every Sunday. It’s exciting to see (and hear) their creativity and witness their dedication to each other and to the music that they all love.

Being a “parent” to a basement band has unexpectedly cast me and my husband Dave into Greenfield’s vibrant music scene and we frequently accompany my son when he performs in shows with other local metal bands. The talent displayed by some of these young people is amazing. While I’ll admit, it may not be the type of music I grew up with, I am always impressed by its unique quality and strange beauty. My husband and I especially enjoy watching one talented young man – David Kilburg from Shielded by Shadows. David has fingers as fast as lightening and long wild hair that he whips to the beat of the music. It’s a sight to see and worth the price of any ticket.

In addition to the two bands already mentioned, our community is home to many other talented musicians and performers whose styles range from classical, to folk, to unrestrained rock and roll. Here are just a few: Quinton Kufahl, Emily Brandt, Crow Theory, Why the Human Suit, This Ship will Sink, and Ashes of Valor.

Many of these talented performers are the product of our school district’s great music program and dedicated music teachers such as Mrs. Kramer, Mrs. May, and Mr. Marlowe. We are fortunate to have children and young adults in our community who really love music, and we owe much of that to our schools. They have given us a great gift. To witness some of this talent for yourself, come out to Greenfield High School’s Salute to the Arts on Feb. 10-11. I encourage everyone to attend – this event will benefit the school and will give our local talent a chance to shine. The show will feature local bands, dance acts, instrumental and vocal performances, and art displays in the high school lobby. Tickets are only $5 and go on sale Jan. 31. Be sure to attend - you will have a great time.

Finally, being a basement band parent has turned my husband Dave into an aging roadie. Sometimes he grumbles as he carries heavy amps or transports the boys to their distant venues – but his grumbles will subside one day when the boys move on to college, careers, and families of their own. When that day comes, our basement will be quiet again and fond memories will replace screaming guitars and pounding drums. That day will arrive too soon for me. In the meantime, I’ll savor the noise and be grateful for loud Sunday nights.