When the sound waves begin thumping through the air and guitar strings screech out the tunes, area rock fans will be experiencing the hard sounds of Geishamen, Level and Bantha, performing Thursday at Hangar 9.

We have a lot of energy and the crowd does as well, Geishamen’s lead singer and guitarist Jason Robertson said. When that energy from the crowd kicks back into us, we begin to really rock.

Geishamen has opened local shows for alternative rockers Fragile Porcelain Mice, but this show is the band’s headlining debut.

Advertisement

Robertson said the band members are greatly anticipating a successful visit.

It seems like everyone in Carbondale likes us, he said. Every time we’ve been [to the Hangar] it’s been awesome, so we are truly looking forward to returning.

Rounding out the Geishamen line-up is drummer Greg Bach, bassist Steve Breidenbach and guitarist Dan Huffman.

It should be [a good show] because I’ve never been to Carbondale and not had a good time, he said.

Another person excited about the enthusiastic music scene in the area is Aarron Williams of the opening act Level.

People hadn’t even heard of us yet, and they still greeted us with open arms, he said. It was cool, I really dug the show.

Also an opening act for Fragile Porcelain Mice, Level has not yet released a compact disc, but plans are underway to record one in May.

Advertisement*

The band members of Level are not hesitant to say that they appreciate the support of their fans, and that they love performing for an audience.

We appreciate everything and everyone who likes us, Williams said. We thank everyone for their support and hope they can come to the show.

Geishamen will be presenting their newly released album Handicapped Harness-Race 500.

We’ve had a lot of help from Fragile Porcelain Mice, but every thing on the album is original, Robertson said.

Geishamen manager Jamie Welky said the addition of interesting and talented artists to the back-up vocals make the compact disc excel in musical talent.

There are back-up vocals by Five Deadly Venoms, and Scott Randall from Fragile Porcelain Mice sings three back-up songs on the album, he said. The addition is great.

Bantha, the second performing act of the hard rocking evening, will also pound on the eardrums of those on hand with tracks from its latest compact disc, The Finest of Silk.

Llyod modestly said he believes it is the band’s musical talents combined with charm and good looks that attracts and captures the crowd especially those of the female gender.

We’re usually good at getting girls to our show, he said. Our uncanny good looks alongside the musical talent brings in the crowd.

Although Bantha has not yet performed in the area, the band said they are willing and ready to turn things up for Carbondale’s night life.

We’re ready to rock Carbondale, Lloyd said, and start the New Year off right down there.

FACTOID:Admission to the Geishamen, Level and Bantha show at Hangar 9, 511 S. Illinois, is $2. For further information, call 549-0511.