Rockumentary | Tour | Music | Pictures | Gig Diary | Press | The Boys | Chain CD | Store | Press Kit |

The Springfield Republican - May, 9 2002
LIVE WIRE by Donnie Moorehouse

School for the Dead touring its way to Northampton show

School for the Dead was supposed to be a one-time thing.

Henning Ohlenbusch promised as much to those who worked on his solo album and played the CD release show.

Now a year later, Ohlenbusch and his band are on a Mid-Atlantic tour, playing North Carolina, Virginia, and Philadelphia, working their way back up the coast for a May 23 show at Harry's in Northampton.

"It's a small affair," said Ohlenbusch. "Just three shows, but it is the School for the Dead's first adventure out of the area."

It is amazing that the band can get out of town even for one show, given the collective assignments of its members.

Ohlenbusch not only heads up School for the Dead, like many Northampton area musicians he is entangled in a host of other bands as well. He currently plays with The Aloha Steamtrain, The Gay Potatoes, The Greenbergs, and The Fawns.

"I also host the open mike every Tuesday at Harry's, and occasionally play my own soloshows here and there," he said.

His band is similarly engaged.

School for the Dead includes Brian Todd Marchese (drums) who shares his talents with The Aloha Steamtrain, The Figments, Lo-Fine, The Gay Potatoes and The Greenbergs.

Ken Maiuri plays keyboard and also works with The Aloha Steamtrain, The Maggies, Ribboncandy, New Radiant Storm King, The Greenbergs, The Mammals, TWWalsh, and King Radio.

Max Germer and Anthony Westcott seem to have the most time on their hands. Bassist Germer also plays with Spanish for Hitchhiking and The Stephen Kellogg Band, while Westcott is from Ohlenbusch's original band, Humbert.

"Obviously it's a group of very busy guys and I am lucky to have them playing with me," said Ohlenbusch. "I can't imagine a better band to work with."

Apparently playing in every band in the Pioneer Valley isn't quite enough to keep Ohlenbusch occupied. He is working on a label, Rub Wrongways Records, and a corresponding website. The label will release the solo works of Ohlenbusch and his former Humbert mates Westcott and Ari Vais.