The best part of going to a school where creativity is encouraged is that students form some awesome bands as early as freshman year. We’ve all heard CTM more than once during our Skidmore careers, but these guys (and gals!) really put the motto to work! Here’s the scoop on a few of Skidmore’s most popular and rockin’ bands.
Los Elk
Members: Amir Rivera-Lieberman (Guitar/Vocals), Noah Ross (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Ryan Bondell (Drums/Percussion), Hal DeGroat (Bass)
Genre: Indie Dance Rock
How You Know Them: Los Elk, briefly known as Helix, got their start playing at 2011’s Beatlemania concert. They have played at Zankel, Falstaff’s, Case Center, East Ave, and Northwoods Village.
Where To Find Them: You can check out Los Elk’s pages on Facebook and YouTube and you can also hear them live this summer at the Saratoga Arts Festival. Keep a look out for their newest single, “Eye Contact,” which they just recorded at Zankel’s Grossman Studio!
How did your band get started?
Ryan: Well Noah and I were in a band in high school together in Manhattan, he played bass and I played drums. Once we started attending Skidmore we met up with Amir through our pre-or and started jamming for fun. While a trio, Noah was on bass. The three of us played around for a few weeks and had our first performance at 2011's Beatlemania. For those two shows we were known as Helix. We eventually met Hal and knew right away that we had found our bassist.
What has been your favorite performance so far?
Ryan: Favorite performance was definitely opening up for Rubblebucket. The sound was great, and the energy was amazing. Falstaff’s was packed front to back with people just enjoying themselves. There is no greater thrill than that. We were all fans of Rubblebucket before the show, so it was great to meet them and share the stage.
What inspires you guys?
Ryan: Our biggest inspiration is the crowd. When we see people dancing or vibing to the things that we've created, there is no comparable experience. We rehearse six to nine hours a week so that we can be tight and perform to the best of our abilities. The payoff comes directly from anyone who appreciates the music!
What's your favorite spot in Saratoga Springs?
Ryan: I can only speak for Noah and myself when I say Uncommon Grounds on Broadway. After a long week, breakfast and coffee at Uncommon is the perfect end to the week. It’s tradition at this point. Highly recommended to anyone looking for fresh coffee and warm bagels!
Bailiwick
Members: Brett Hartman (Guitar, Mandolin, Ukulele), Ned Porter (Guitar, Glockenspiel), Colin Manjoney (Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, 12-String Guitar, Glocky), Jane Esterquest (Violin), Stephen Yell (Drums, Percussion)
Genre: Folk, Acoustic
How You Know Them: Since it was founded in April 2010, Bailiwick has played at Lively Lucy’s, Beatlemania, Café Lena, Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market, art galleries, WEXT 97.7 Falstaff’s, and a venue called Way Yes in Troy. They’re a fun and quirky group of musicians who use a variety of cool instruments.
Where To Find Them: Bailiwick is temporarily inactive due to its members studying abroad, but they will be back and ready to rock in the fall at Skidmore as well as Albany and Boston! You can check out their Facebook page, or listen to their album on their website.
How did your band get started?
Ned: It really started when everyone was in that overly outgoing mood that you often get with orientation. I don't remember exactly how we all started playing together, but Jane and I were the first to collaborate with the intention of forming a group. I had been playing with Colin and Brett throughout orientation, so we invited them on stage for one song while Jane and I were playing the Harvest Festival. People liked what we had going, so we continued to play.
What has been your favorite performance so far?
Ned: We have had a lot of great experiences, but one concert really sticks out for me. We invited Evan Becker, a high school friend of mine, to play bass with us. It was one of the first times we played with Stephen Yell as our drummer and it felt absolutely amazing. More than anything, I usually judge a great performance by the feeling from the crowd, and we had one of the best crowd responses I have ever experienced that night.
Jane: My favorite performance was also the one where Evan and Stephen played. Good times were had.
What inspires you all?
Colin: Holding hands.
What's your favorite spot in Saratoga Springs?
Colin: Weird orange thing, which refers to the hill of calcified salts at the state park. It is such a weird orange thing.
