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Fort
Scott, Kansas.
A
town so small, it's often left off the Bourbon County Map.
What could be of any importance in this little community hidden
away in the nooks and crannies of Southeast Kansas?
"Not much," you say, besides four-wheelers, pick-up
trucks, and a state-winning high school football team.
These things are true, and their significance should never be
overlooked. But, my friend, Fort Scott is also the home of
something far greater than any of these superficial activities.
Indeed, Fort Scott is the birthplace of influential African-American
photographer Gordon Parks. Not too shabby a claim to fame,
aye?
In
recent years, however, Fort Scott has become even better known
for its Pond Monkeys. And for good reason. These
kids play their hearts out onstage and bear their souls through
meaningful lyrics. But, you ask, what exactly is a Pond
Monkey?
"It's
a band," Austin Ward says frankly, "And it's a very
good band. And I'm in it." Well said.
The Pond Monkeys consist of four individuals who come together
to create smart, energetic music. Because of each member's
ability to play multiple instruments, Pond Monkey music never
grows old or repetitive.
"The
live shows are where we really come together as a band,"
says vocalist/guitarist/bassist/keyboardist/drummer Alex Ward.
"People of all ages can relate to our music because it's
energetic, positive, and fun."
It's
no secret that Fort Scott is a harsh place for such a young
group of musicians. Venues and supporters are difficult to
find. Because of this fact, the Pond Monkeys have played
in some less-than-desirable places.
"We're definitely not a bar band," Alex says
sheepishly. "We just happen to play in a lot of
bars."
That's not to say that the Monkeys haven't performed in some
great locations with some even greater bands. Playing with
local heroes such as Paperface, The Sound And The Fury, Anything
But Joey, and The Joe Fund, among numerous others, the boys have begun to make
quite the name for themselves.
"We've
had some great opportunities," says founding
bassist/vocalist/guitarist/drummer Derek Wright.
"Sometimes
it's hard to be taken seriously because of our age,"
explains Alex. "But everyone who knows us or has seen
us can tell that we're in this for the long haul. We work
hard to be the best that we can be, and that's made our band
mature beyond its years."
Asked
about the newest Monkey, vocalist/bassist/guitarist/drummer
Daniel Brasuell, a smile comes to Alex's face. "With
Daniel in the band, Austin, Derek and I have all stepped up a
notch musically. We're playing better than we ever have
before."
Young,
but experienced, the Pond Monkeys are here to change the face of
rock music. Or maybe they're just here to have fun.
Either way, the boys let their music speak for itself when it
comes time to rock.
"We
just want to play music for as long as we can," says Alex.
"We love what we're doing, and we hope that a few others
might like it also."
Spoken
like a true musician.
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here for Official Promotional Biography |
