Lopez High School rolls out ‘Phat Friday’ this week

What better time than winter to gather with your friends and dance the night away? The Lopez High School Band, along with the Lopez Secondary School Student Council, are putting on a community dance, open to all ages, called “Phat Friday.”

December 9, 2008 4:16 am
DJ Sunny Chiba will present his diverse mix of tracks at the upcoming dance. Contributed photo.
DJ Sunny Chiba will present his diverse mix of tracks at the upcoming dance. Contributed photo.

What better time than winter to gather with your friends and dance the night away?

The Lopez High School Band, along with the Lopez Secondary School Student Council, are putting on a community dance, open to all ages, called “Phat Friday.”

The fun begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Port Stanley Schoolhouse. The dancing will continue until 11 p.m.

The high school band will start the night off with their blend of rock, blues, and eclectic tunes. This year the band is comprised of five seniors, all of whom have been playing with the group for all or most of their high school careers. Chris Caldwell plays guitar and does vocals, Tyler Cochran plays bass and performs vocals, Kevin Dengler plays guitar, drums, keyboard, and does vocals, David Hellman is on the guitar, keyboard, and also vocals, and Taylor Zimny plays guitar and sings vocals. The band is joined by sophomore Sam Ferguson (drums) and freshman Nate Drahn (violin, keyboard).

Following their grooves is DJ Sonny Chiba, a.k.a. Martin Fischer, who is affiliated with Beat Affinity, Webbwerx, and ECE in Seattle. Sonny Chiba grew up on Lopez and is the son of Lopez School music teacher Ann Marie Fischer, who is organizing Phat Friday.

After holding down the northwest electronic music scene for eight years, Sonny Chiba is now recognized as a hometown hero. From massives in Vancouver, BC to the northwest’s famous outdoor festivals, he continues to blow up the decks weekend after weekend.

Musically his sets are a diverse mix of breaks, blending North American and British influences into something new. To listen to his new demo, visit www.webbwerx.com.

Sonny Chiba will be followed by another Seattle-area musician, DJ Nyx, who is affiliated with C89.5, Housewreckin, and free.BASS.

This is the first dance for which the high school band has performed. “We’re doing this to provide an opportunity for people to dance and for the high school band to get some experience. And to have fun!” said Fischer.

Tickets can be purchased from a high school band member ($6 for under 19, and $8 for adult) or at the door ($7 under 19 and $9 for adults). Tickets can also be reserved by calling 468-2219 ext. 2112 or emailing afischer@lopez.k12.wa.us. Proceeds will go towards recording projects for the high school band.

Space is limited in the intimate setting of the Port Stanley Schoolhouse, so it is advised to buy tickets early.