Halloween meets rockin’ memories when the Neverly Brothers bring their throwback energy to Theatre at the Center in Munster.
Vintage sounds of early American rock ‘n’ roll — along with buoyant hits of the British Invasion — will be dispensed by the trio at 7 p.m. Oct. 31.
“Our microphones are the vintage microphones from the ’50s,” said guitarist and vocalist Kevin Giragosian, the founder of the popular retro band that was formed in 2003. “I’m, like, the tour guide,” noted Giragosian, who — during the course of a show — doles out historical background and trivia about the music being played.
Connecting artists to the cities they sprang from is part of the informational aspect of shows by the Neverly Brothers — an Illinois group based in the Chicago suburbs.
Audiences leave with a geographical appreciation of the artists they heard feted by the Neverly Brothers.
“It’s basically a virtual bus ride,” said Giragosian, a resident of Homer Glen, Ill.
Giragosian’s journey traipses across a wealth of party tunes from the likes of Buddy Holly (“That’ll Be the Day”), Chuck Berry (“Johnny B. Goode”), and Jerry Lee Lewis (“Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On”).
“A lot of our music is very dance oriented,” Giragosian said.
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In that vein, there will be a dance-floor area at the Oct. 31 show, which will feature a costume contest.
Helping Giragosian provide the music will be his brother, Kegham, on drums, and Craig Gigstad, on upright bass.
“All three of us sing,” Kevin Giragosian said. “We all take turns singing lead vocals, as well as backup-harmony vocals.”
The melodies at the trio’s shows include a first set that tips its hat to rockabilly, old-school rhythm and blues, and other branches of rock ‘n’ roll during its formative years.
“We basically celebrate the pioneers of rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s,” Giragosian said. Those heroes include the Everly Brothers and Carl Perkins.
Aiding in the creation of a ’50s atmosphere is the stand-up drumming that is done by the Neverly Brothers on a minimalist drum kit.
While American rockers get their due, the British artists of the mid 1960s are not forgotten by the Neverly Brothers, who churn out fare by the Beatles, Kinks and Rolling Stones.
Having formed the Neverly Brothers 12 years ago, Giragosian enjoyed success early on.
“It was immediately my full-time occupation; this is my full-time career,” he said.
Ruth Hashu-Roorda booked the Neverly Brothers for a few performances in Highland when she was the town’s recreation supervisor in the parks and recreation department.
“They bring out a huge crowd; it’s not just a normal concert,” said Hashu-Roorda, alluding to the band’s knack for verbally putting the songs they play into historical perspective.
The Neverly Brothers played Highland’s Main Square Park multiple times during the stint of Hashu-Roorda, who is now recreation coordinator for the Merrillville Parks and Recreation Department.
“They interact with the audience to really get them to feel the music that they’re playing,” she said.
Although the band’s talents have led it to Southern California, the Neverly Brothers have experienced the most success closer to home.
“The majority of our shows are in the Midwest,” Giragosian said. “This summer we did 55 outdoor concerts.”
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer for the Post-Tribune.
Neverly Brothers
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 31
Tickets: $25-$45
Information: 219-836-3255 or www.theatreatthecenter.com
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