The Peter Squires Band Rocks Community Open House on June 27
An upbeat show by The Peter Squires Band will set the stage for a fun day with a kick-off concert at 11:30 am in the Loft. While Pete’s three albums are all solo recordings, with the singer-songwriter playing a variety of instruments, he invited some talented Seacoast artists to join him for this special performance. I caught up with Pete recently to learn more about his music and about what audiences can expect to hear at the Community Open House.
Regina Baraban: Tell us about The Peter Squires Band and who will be playing with you on June 27.
PS: On the three albums I’ve put out under my own name I write and sing all the songs and also play all the instruments myself. So in order to perform the songs live I put together a band of talented friends to help back me up: guitarist Guy Capecelatro III (recent recipient of the Spotlight Award for best Indie artist!); drummer Blake Seale (who fronts the Spotlight Award-winning band New Legs); and bassist/back-up vocalist Chris Curtis. Despite my nitpicking them on exactly how to play their parts (because I wrote them!), the band puts up with my tyrannical demands gracefully and we have a lot of fun playing the tunes live.
RB: How do you describe your musical style?
PS: I’d describe my music as indie rock, but within that genre it varies from upbeat rock & roll to acoustic ballads. Though my lyrics are personal, there are probably themes that many people can relate to (love, friendship, loss, dogs, etc.) Recommended for fans of the Pixies, Neutral Milk Hotel, Nada Surf, and other dynamic, lyrical indie rock.
At the Community Open House we will play two 40-minute sets comprised of my original songs, as heard on my albums Woe is Me, Where the Bunny Meets the Bear, and Man of the House.
RB: When did you first start writing and playing music?
PS: My first instrument was the trombone, which I started playing when I was 9. I picked up the bass and guitar when I was 14 and started writing my own songs shortly thereafter. Playing music (by myself or in bands) has been one of my favorite things to do ever since and has been a source of some of my greatest life experiences, accomplishments, and friendships.
RB: Why do you think people should come out to the concert?
PS: Well, aside from the fact that it’s free, it’s also early in the day—so folks who don’t always have the chance to see a rock show can do it on their way to or from brunch. The environment will be very casual, I imagine, with people coming and going, getting up to enjoy a beverage at the Loft, etc. I hope people passing by on Congress Street will peek in to see a local singer-songwriter and his friends having a good time playing music!
For a complete schedule of Community Open House events, go to: http://www.themusichall.org/calendar/event/community_open_house