Arts, Etc.Music

Jazzin’ up some feeling at Dailey Theatre

Anthony Fesmire, David Kontesz and David Lockeretz, members of the modern jazz trio Outside Pedestrian, played songs from their new CD "Sunless City," at a concert on Saturday. This is the band's second CD. The band members are all graduates of the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Fesmire now teaches jazz ensemble and electric guitar at the University of La Verne. / photo by Liz Lucsko
Anthony Fesmire, David Kontesz and David Lockeretz, members of the modern jazz trio Outside Pedestrian, played songs from their new CD “Sunless City,” at a concert on Saturday. This is the band’s second CD. The band members are all graduates of the Berklee School of Music in Boston. Fesmire now teaches jazz ensemble and electric guitar at the University of La Verne. / photo by Liz Lucsko

by Anna Roy
Assistant Features Editor

Jazz music filled Dailey Theatre Saturday night as the modern jazz trio Outside Pedestrian played a concert in celebration of the release of its second CD, “Sunless City.”

The stage was set with dim lights and shining instruments waiting to be played.

The audience chatted in anticipation as the band took to the stage, Anthony Fesmire on electric guitar, along with David Lockeretz on electric bass and David Kontesz on drums.

After quickly tuning up their instruments, they started the set with “Motherhood,”a song with fast melodies and some jungle drum beats. The song quickly warmed up the audience, as they responded with clapping midway through the song.

The next song, “Tower One,” was slow, moody and seductive, gradually sounding harder as the band began displaying its ability to play rock.

The volume, tone and mood varied throughout each song. At moments, musicians played solos while the rest of the band watched intently. Each song had a distinct sound and style.

At one point, Fesmire and Lockeretz played together for a long, melodious stretch. The audience was very receptive, clapping after several of the rich and soulful solos.

For several songs, Matt Zembley of the Brian Setzer Orchestra and ULV alumnus Joe Bagg accompanied the band on the saxophone and the B-3 Organ, respectively.

As Zembley approached the stage he slowly looked into the audience and then toward the band. He held his saxophone very gently, closing his eyes before playing and meditating deeply on the notes being played.

The band played its title cut song, “Sunless City,” midway into the concert. It was rebellious, with a blues influence.

The audience was in for a nostalgic treat when the band, along with Zembley and Bagg, played a rendition of “All’s Blues” originally by Miles Davis. The stage lightened and the musicians began to express themselves more freely.

The atmosphere was more relaxed as Fesmire began tapping his feet while comfortably leaning up against a stool on stage. The audience responded positively to this jazz standard.

“It was really interesting to see an organ being played,” said Beth Pietrzak of the Theatre Arts Department. “I’m glad some students showed up too, it was a good turnout.”

“This is one of the most appreciative crowds we’ve played in front of in a long time. When people are into it, it makes us play better,” said Lockeretz.

The band has been playing together since 1999.

Fesmire and Lockeretz met in 1993 at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. When they moved to Southern California, they created Outside Pedestrian along with another Berklee alumnus, David Kontesz, originally from Israel.

All three of the band members graduated with honors from Berklee and have continued with their extensive musical experience.

Aside from teaching classes in jazz ensemble and electric guitar on the ULV campus, Fesmire is a member of the Palos Verdes School District and works to produce the music of other artists.

Lockeretz spends his time teaching privately and playing with the blues-rock band Voodoo Highway. Kontesz is a member of the musical group Min Hun. The band released its debut CD, “Pedestrian Crossing,” in 1999.

All music on the band’s new CD is original. According to Outside Pedestrian’s website, band members’ musical influences are “eclectic,” which explains their ability to play several musical genres including jazz, blues, rock and chamber.

For more information, visit www.outsidepedestrian.com or www.ulv.edu/music.

Anna Roy, Assistant Features Editor
Anna Roy
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University of La Verne graduate Liz Lucsko, recently earned a Masters in photography from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University in New York. Lucsko currently teaches Elementary Photography as a part-time faculty member. Her photography exhibit, “Banning – Stagecoach Town USA,” is on display in the Irene Carlson Gallery of Photography, and closes today. Lucsko’s interest in portrait photography has helped her personalize the photographic act for her students. / photo by Nancy Dyleuth
Liz Lucsko
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