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Diversions
Acoustic lunch inspires Quarry
By Paul Solsrud
Published:
Thursday, January 30, 2003
Media Credit: Andy Rennecke
Student Bryan Shackle plays for the Atwood Quarry Wednesday for the Student Live at Lunch series.
The Atwood Quarry was rocked yesterday by Student Live at Lunch. Sponsored by the University Program Board, Student Live at Lunch was an opportunity for students to share their talent with others. Yesterday's acts included three acoustic guitar and vocal acts including Jake Lacina, Neil Dressel and McKinley Place.
About 50 people filled the seats while passersby paused to listen to the intriguing sounds of the three acts. Each act managed a different feel even though they used the same instruments. Strong vocals were another common characteristic of the three acts. These acts were selected by UPB from a list of those who signed up for the event.
All three acts have interesting but somewhat similar backgrounds. They are all self-taught musicians. Likewise, there are all driven to succeed.
"I'd sit in my room and just want to be on stage," Jake Lacina said. "It was kind of rough, (I) got discouraged a lot."
Lacina, a freshman from Shakopee, performed songs he had written and composed, including "Walk on the Ocean," "Give You the World," "Answering Machine" and "Watchtower." All of the songs he performed were newly written, and not on his CD "Jane's Third."
Lacina said it's hard to tell exactly where his inspiration comes from. However, he, like many others, would love to make a career from his performing.
"I'd love to do this (play music for a career)," he said. "It's the impossible dream, (I'll) just see how the cards fall."
His favorite bands include Dave Mathews Band, Phish and Dispatch.
Neil Dressel performed the second act with his one-man acoustical guitar show. Dressel played original music including "Wheat Fields" and "Wild World," as well as cover songs such as "Wish You Were Here," by Pink Floyd. Dressel said his music's "live in the day" feel comes from Paul Simon, John Denver, his dad and other music that artists that have inspired him.
"I just like to play," the Minnetonka native said.
When asked about his future, Dressel said he wants to be a musician. "It's what I really want to do, definitely," he said.
His work can be heard on the disk "Melodious Incarnation."
The final act of the Live at Lunch line-up was McKinley Place, a trio consisting of Bryan Shackle (vocals), Mike Krapp (acoustic guitar) and Patrick Gibbs (acoustic guitar).
The name McKinley Place, lent from the street their recording studio was on, is also the name of their self-titled disk.
"We spent a lot of time there (the recording studio) last summer," Shackle said. "It (the recording process) was fun, but hard."
When asked where their inspiration comes from, they joking responded "from different places, mostly girls, they (the girls) inspire the inspirational and depressing songs."
McKinley Place excited the growing crowd with their original songs including "Freedom," "Hollywood," "Champagne and Cigarettes" and "Young Again."
Each seemed to be well received by the audience.
"I think they're good, (the songs were) kind of catchy, they dress nice and look good," freshman Melissa Weed said. "They made me stop (as I was walking through.)"
"They're really good," freshman Candice Blees added.
McKinley place also has another CD in the works for next year and are scheduled to perform at the Battle of the Unsigned Bands on Wednesday Feb. 5, 7 p.m. at Atwood Ballroom.
The Student Live at Lunch was deemed a success according to Center Stage Coordinator Shelby Kitzmann. "I think it went well, I think that after the first one (Student Live at Lunch), more people turned out," Kitzmann said.
"It's gone well; it really shows the talent potential at SCSU, it helps other students see what's out there."
For more information, or to participate in future Student Live and Lunches, contact UPB at 255-2205, or stop by their office in Atwood to sign up. Future Live at Lunches will be held March 5 and April 23.
