Summer Rain is a rock band based in Fairfax County that has five albums under its belt, and is currently working on a sixth. They appear at TT Reynolds this weekend. Guitarist Sean Ceigersmidt recently took some time to answer some questions via e-mail.
Introduce the band:
Most of the members have roots in New York, but our families settled locally in Springfield, Fairfax, and Annandale back in the 60s and 70s when the area was mainly trees and brick houses. Drummer Carl Pocaro and bassist Marc DeAngelo work for the state of Virginia. Marc works in the public schools helping kids in need while Carl keeps the air clean regulating car emissions. Singer Justin Grim looks to enter the environmental scene himself, he currently studies at George Mason. Guitarist Sean Ceigersmidt works as a television director and audio engineer, which really helps no one in particular.
How did you guys get together?
It all came together rather quickly in the summer of 1996 when Sean heard a demo tape of Justin's from a mutual friend who he was teaching guitar. The guy on the tape cussed like a sailor, but you could tell there was a lot of talent on that demo; and it was a really cool song. Sean and Marc had been writing songs on and off together for a few years and it was great to find someone else who was into writing. Once the three were together it was only a few months before Carl came through the door and blew our minds with his drumming. We all knew right away that this is what we wanted to do.
Describe the Summer Rain sound:
Emotional, raw, real, often unpredictable, always fun.
Biggest musical influences:
The Doors, Pearl Jam, The Beatles, Kiss and Johnny Cash.
Other influences:
We're all city boys, but if we could, we'd live in the middle of nowhere playing acoustic guitars and drinking moonshine. Watching or reading other people's views of the world can give you unique insights and perspectives that often merge into your music. Any topic — history, theology, the environment. They all influence how you see the world and yourself as part of that world.
Most surreal moment:
Playing at a biker bar in good 'ol Winchester. Before the show we didn't know if they were going to love us or kill us. As it turned out, the people were really cool and they were really into the heavy stuff. We had to save "Rawhide" for the next time.
Has Summer Rain toured?
We haven't officially "toured" but we have done extensive promotional trips throughout the Washington area and up into Pennsylvania. Clubs, parties, music stores, biker bars in Winchester. Every town and venue is unique, but you really can't beat an old-fashioned bar with a couple of friends and a beer ... or a couple of beers and a friend to enjoy live music on a Saturday night.
Anything special about this weekend's show?
We always try to surprise the audience at each show. We want our performance to be fresh, and play or do something totally unexpected. Especially at TT Reynolds because our friends love to come there and have a good time and you always meet cool new people there who are into good rock n' roll. There's always a really high energy level at TTs, so we like to give the audience what they want.
Future plans?
We're really excited about the new album we're working on and believe it has some of our best material yet. Basically, we'll be happy to just keep making music and having a great time playing it for people live.
Summer Rain plays with Crows Nest on Saturday, Nov. 5, at TT Reynolds, 10414 Main St. in Fairfax. Call 703-591-9292 or visit www.ttreynolds.com.