The indie-folk sounds of Philadelphia come to Penn State this week in the form of the band Good Old War.
The band will perform a free concert sponsored by Student Programming Association at 10 p.m. in Alumni Hall on Saturday.
The Philadelphia-based group name derives from the last names of each member — Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold and Dan Schwartz –– band member Arnold said.
The group was formed in 2008 after the demise of the long running punk-rock group Days Away (involving Arnold and Keith), Arnold said.
“After Days Away ended we wanted to start a new, lighter band that had a more acoustic feel and was focused on harmonies” he said.
SPA marketing chair Megan Mansell (senior-public relations) said the group’s style is a unique crossover of genres similar to other groups such as Mumford and Sons and the Lumineers.
The decision to select Good Old War to perform at Penn State was based on the large student demand that SPA received, and the organization’s goal to bring diverse musical groups to campus, Corey Jackson, director of SPA LateNight, said.
Good Old War fits into that mission, Jackson (senior- mechanical engineering) said.
Jackson also said students should come to the concert because it’s a more relaxed type of concert atmosphere than what most people are used to.
“It will be calmer than most concerts in the past, so those who don’t normally attend will not be overwhelmed with the typical rowdiness that is associated with most concerts we hold,” Jackson said.
Hospitality chair Derek Mikesell (senior-mathematics) said the way the members come together in order to form three-part vocal harmonies and that unison makes them especially unique.
“Our songs are arranged a little different each time they’re performed, so each concert is a unique experience,” Arnold said.
Director of events Rachael Krasnoff (senior-telecommunications) said she hopes that regardless of musical tastes, the concert will reach a wide audience.
“People who appreciate acoustic sets and folk music will enjoy the concert, but I hope anyone who is curious will come.”
Mansell said that students are excited for the event.
“We aim for people to have a good time and be happy by the time they leave” Arnold said.
The concert is free for any student with a valid student ID+ card and will be admitted on a first come, first served basis.
