ESF Band Shines at Alpha Phi Sorority Benefit

By Evan Schneider

Clear skies and sumo wrestling set the stage on Saturday, April 20th for a successful philanthropy event put on by SU’s Alpha Phi sorority in affiliation with 20 Watts Magazine, which benefitted women’s heart health. The fundraiser drew hundreds among SU’s Greek population to Walnut Park, as well as one SUNY ESF band.

Consisting of Andrew Poitras, Spencer Parsons and Connor McCourt, the band, called Trash, sounded anything but as they performed from the sorority’s front porch. The band made good on a vow not to stick to any one genre of music. Their set highlighted the group’s roots in classic rock, incorporating alternative and funk jams as well.

With Poitras on vocals and bass, Parsons also on vocals and guitar and McCourt manning the drums, the group dug into their deep catalogs to perform hits from the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stones, and Talking Heads. Participants, vendors and passers-by alike were all drawn-in to the nostalgic affair. 

“It’s a really cool dynamic,” noted Emily Korzendorfer, a sophomore participant, noting the cohesiveness between the sumo wrestling and live music.

This was just the latest in a string of strong showings for the band, which has seen quick success since its formation two months ago. “We’re just spreading the local music,” said a modest Poitras.

While he and the group had only performed a handful of shows together prior to Saturday, they would go on to play two more sets later in the day— one on Lancaster Ave, followed by a night gig on Redfield Pl. “The more the merrier,” said Parsons welcomingly. “As many as we can fit into one day, we should.” Adding Poitras, “This is what we do.”

So, the next time you’re at a house party and hear live performers channeling their inner David Byrne and Jerry Garcia, you’ll know it’s the fiery ESF bunch who just want you to move and appreciate the eclectic tunes that inspire them.