It was a special Saturday night at Kenny's Castaways in Manhattan, NYC on May 12, 2001. You could sense something in the air as the spectators went about their natural routine of ordering drinks and listening to music. The band, Pinwheel was the final act of the night and on this night, the fans were out in force, waiting for the up-and-coming band from The Bronx, NYC.
Why do the fans love this group? What makes them worthy of so many articles in BANDWIDTH? And why are record executives in the crowd listening to every lyric, guitar string plucked and drum beat? For several months, now, BANDWIDTH has been covering the steady rise of the rock group Pinwheel. Full of charisma and great music, I like the fact that their version of the Kink's Destroyer is better than the original. When they make it, BANDWIDTH will be the fans authoritative guide on the band. But no mere media outlet can honestly tell you about a band like Pinwheel and why people love them only a true fan can give such insight. So in this issue, I dig deep inside the recesses of a Pinwheel fans heads, to get the real scoop on the band set to redefine rock.
Melissa Rodriguez is a normal 21 year old from The Bronx. She works hard, parties harder and struggles to make ends meet like the rest of us. No matter how bad a day could get, Melissa can feel better knowing that once 5 o'clock hits, she can shoot over to the studio and watch the band rehearse and enjoy time with a group of guys she has become great friends with. Now, she is not a groupie. The relationship with this band is strictly platonic. She loves their music and she loves hanging out with them. They are part of her extended family, a group that makes her feel good after a tough day and has her singing just hours after she was stressing out.
Melissa discovered Pinwheel late last year, but it did not take long before she started singing each and every song they played. "My best friend told me about them and took me to one of their concerts," she said. "They were from the area and she was friends with them. She was helping to support them and urged everyone to go to their concert. I am glad I did. After that, I was hooked. I have been to every concert since." For Melissa, it is not a question of whether or not to go to the next Pinwheel concert. The only question is what time and where to go. "I love music," she said. "I can't say any type of music or song is my favorite. I like all types of music and Pinwheel stands as one of my favorite bands. I love all their songs and I know most of the words to all of them. Of course I am going to go to all their shows. I wouldn't miss one. I like to support them. I feel good when I am at the shows. Pinwheel really puts on a great show. They work hard and deserve whatever success they get."
Melissa states that she loves their originality, style and creativity, but most of all loves the fact that the group does not look down at the their fans and at least in Melissa's case, have become close friends. "I must say I just gained three great friends," she happily said. "They are very interesting people and are hilarious. They really know how to have a good time. I can never feel bad around the. I enjoy talking to them and enjoy being around them." While she refuses to pick a favorite band member, it doesn't take her long to decide which of the many songs they play, she likes best. "Whatever Turns You On is my favorite," she said, with one last comment for anyone who hasn't heard of the band. "I urge everyone to go to their future shows and see which song is their favorite."
It seemed that on May 12, show, every song was a favorite. Like Melissa, the fans screamed as Pinwheel played covers, songs from their current CD, Dear Blue, and songs from their forthcoming CD, which is currently being worked on. The first set was special, being played specifically for record executives who got a taste first hand of what Melissa already knew. The second set was for the fans. Sal Scoca, Peter Santagada, and Vic Pena played their hearts out, even having Britney Fox's Billy Childs perform on stage for one song.
Melissa danced along with Phyllis Provino-Cullen (author of two of our Pinwheel stories), Maria (Web designer of PinwheelOnline.net) as well as the band member's significant others, friends and co-workers. Suddenly, a group of tourists from Israel got up and danced in front of the band. They also told Sal how to say obscenities in their native tongue. Who knows, maybe the band will work that word into one of their songs?
As the night got longer, one couple jumped up on stage and danced dirty alongside Sal as he sang. Their semi X-rated acts actually didn't affect the band at all, as they played on with even more fans gathering. One would say that Pinwheel was feeding off their energy, and giving it right back to the audience. Sal grabbed the mic and started Pinwheel's rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, allowing a fan named Joy to come up on stage and sing the song while Sal played. Joy rocked the mic as the band rocked the show.
BANDWIDTH has been too many Pinwheel concerts and had never seen so many people gather around them like they did this night. This was for the fans. The fans were there for Pinwheel. This was truly one wild night; a special night. Stay tuned for more...
Send your comments and or questions about this article to JMinners@ybfree.com.