Senior Year
Musicians
- Brandon Cavender: Lead vocals
- Lisa Goe: Lead vocals
- Erin Patterson: Background vocals
- Jeff Given: Keyboard
- Joel Patterson: Bass
- Dan Bos: Guitar
- Kevin Funkhouser: Guitar, Synth
- Dan Patterson: Drums
Upcoming shows
None scheduled
Genres: Cover band, Hip-hop / Rap, Pop, Rock
Sound description: When Joel Patterson’s fellow musician and friend approached him last year about a “potentially lucrative gig” playing a high school prom, the bassist saw an interesting opportunity. “The prospect of money was intriguing, but the idea of forming a musical group with our best friends that could dip into the angst, humor, and silliness of high school without actually being in high school sounded even more fun,” Patterson recalled.
Together with a group of friends and family (Patterson’s wife Erin sings, and his brother Dan plays drums), the eight-person army now known as Senior Year took to the stage and the rest is musical history.
Arguably one of the youngest cover bands in Santa Barbara, Senior Year prides itself on its zany theatrics, elaborate costuming, and shockingly spot-on renditions of everyone’s Top 40 favorites. “A lot of cover bands play songs that appeal to an older crowd, and that’s fine. But we take great pains to play only the most current, danceable songs and work hard to play them as well as the actual artists. We also work hard to make our shows memorable, incorporating props and humor into our act as a way of involving the audience. I think we’re interested in the entertainment factor as well as the integrity of the music,” Patterson said. Offering up unique yet accurate takes on the “old favorites” (Michael Jackson, Kelly Clarkson circa 2005) and current chart-toppers (Amy Winehouse, Justin Timberlake), the band is constantly revamping its set list—and its look. “We have a similar sense of humor and appreciation for performance art. The themes were something that sort of emerged as we moved into playing local gigs instead of just high school proms in town. We usually brainstorm about the kind of party we’d potentially want to go to, and then decide (after much good natured arguing) on a theme,” he said. And the members of Senior Year certainly like to party; upcoming shows include Rocks on Saturday, September 29, and the Wildcat on October 12. —Aly Comingore
RIYL: The radio, booty shakin' music
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/senioryr
Related links
History
As their name suggests, Senior Year specializes in high-energy covers of current Top 10 dance hits that define the glory of the perfect prom night. Originally formed to create an unforgettable high school prom experience, the band has moved into the local spotlight as one of Santa Barbara's best live acts.
Formed
2008, Santa Barbara, CA
Influences
Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Usher, Shiny Toy Guns, Michael Jackson
Current status
Senior Year is booking up the coming year with local club gigs, as well as private parties and events. Visit promband.com for more information, or email senioryearband@gmail.com to get on the mailing list.
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