Band takes 1st step into Bloomington music

During their freshmen year, members of The Five O’Clock Shadows set an almost mock goal to be the headlining band to play on the stage at Bluebird
Nightclub.

After three years of continuous jamming, the four seniors finally played their first gig during this year’s Welcome Week.

Thanks to FARM’s Root Cellar Lounge, which helped the musicians kick off their public career, and the constant support of friends, The Five O’Clock Shadows received more gig offers in no time.

Although the laid-back seniors come from different backgrounds, commitments and musical ability, the band came together for one purpose: to have fun.
“Now’s the time,” said drummer Lloyd Edwards. He said the group finally got itself together this year.

Described as “soulful pop,” the local band gets its inspiration from the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and everything in between, lead vocalist and guitarist Anthony Scarpaci said.
Even though the band plays mostly covers, it occasionally plays original work.
“We play a lot of music where there is room for interpretation,” bass player Conor Delehanty said.

The Five O’Clock Shadows practice every Sunday in Delehanty’s basement, usually playing a song once or twice and adding it to the set.

The four members are all able to play more than one instrument, and they commonly switch for various songs.

The other band members said it’s member Dave Linard who guides the group with his extensive musical knowledge. Linard plays the keys and drums.

Recently, the David Linard Trio, a group of Jacobs School of Music students, was awarded a professional recording contract called the Emerging Jazz Artist Project Award.

Similarly, Edwards has just recorded an album, which he said might be out for the holidays.

Named after the inability of most of the band members to grow beards, The Five O’Clock Shadows said they did not expect they would get this far this fast.
“We just wanted to play and play in front of people,” Delehanty said.

Today, Charlie Patton’s War will open for The Five O’Clock Shadows, which will start at the Bluebird at 11:40 p.m. This will be the band’s second time on the Bluebird’s stage but its first time as headliner.

“Playing on the Bluebird stage was euphoric,” Scarpaci said of the band’s first gig there.