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The evolution of ska: version 2.5 Two and a Half White Guys bring six-man show

May 22, 2003

The evolution of ska: version 2.5 Two and a Half White Guys bring six-man show

THE DAILY HERALD on Thursday, May 22

By BRETT MERRITT

The band Two and a Half White Guys has a lineup of six members, including lead singer and guitarist Nathan Robinson (28), bassist Dan Nelson (29), lead guitarist Curt Gordon (26), Rob Bennion (23) on saxophone, Sluggo (31) on trumpet and Marko Fagg (29) on drums. So, what's with the name?

Robinson explains.

"It used to just be Dan, Marko and me," he said in an interview. "We were just going to be called Three White Guys, but Marko is half Filipino so he said we were only two and a half, and the name stuck."

Formed in the late '90s, this is one of those bands that should be seen live to fully appreciate. Using a blend of reggae beats and ska energy, Two and a Half White Guys puts on one of the valley's best shows.

Chuck Hamm -- owner of Muse Music in Provo, where the band will play Friday -- agrees.

He said the way Sluggo, who sets up the live audio system, makes them sound on stage is comparable to CD quality.

"They are very talented musicians that can play for hours. Not only that but I just like the music," Hamm said.

Robinson appreciates the all-ages crowd.

"We do really well around here," he said. "People expect to have a good time. They are up and dancing as soon as we come on."

Because of their mellow Caribbean beat and ska/rock overtones, Two and a Half White Guys is nationally appealing. The band just returned from a successful tour that included playing in Austin, Nashville, Miami Beach, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Long Island. Robinson said touring allows the band to make a little money and get the word out while enjoying entertaining crowds and perks along the way.

Their fun approach and energetic vibe seems to engage any type of crowd.

"We play anywhere," he said. "We've played a lot of hick towns where there were just cowboys. ... By the end of a show, I think people liked it."

Robinson, who has been playing in bands since the age of 12, has always wanted to do what he is doing now.

"Everybody says follow your dreams, but nobody ever does it," he said. "I don't know many people who want to put it all on the line, and that's pretty much what you have to do. I mean, I can work a crappy job anytime I want."

Two and a Half White Guys seem undeterred from sharing the musical groove they love at any cost, from Robinson playing numerous shows in a sling to the band repairing a broken stage at Muse Music with their own tools and money.

"They are just all-around good guys," Hamm said.

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page D3.

Source: The Daily Herald

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