Local experimental band to perform at Green Bar: My article from The Crimson White

Local experimental band to perform at Green Bar

BY KINSEY HAyNES / ON JANUARY 16, 2014

Green Bar is known to residents as one of Tuscaloosa’s best venues for unique, original and imaginative music — something Katie Manos, lead singer for Junkyard Kings, values.

The band’s style of music ranges from bluegrass, folk and blues to experimental depending on who is writing the songs.

“There are really great bars in Tuscaloosa for people who want to hear original, live music.” Manos said. “Unfortunately, those aren’t always the most crowded.”

All five band members work at Surin of Thailand on the Strip. Show days are hectic because they have class and work, members said. It can be difficult for them to find time to practice before shows.

“We usually have to practice before we pack up or when we get to the bar,” Manos said. “Our boss is really awesome. There are five people in our band. Any night we have a show, all five people request off, and that can be hard to schedule.”

The first time Junkyard Kings played Green Bar, it was under the name Shrapnel Petals, which included Johnny Bishop on guitar and vocals and Wren Thomley on drums. Later, they acquired Manos, Graham Roden on guitar and Reid Jackson on bass. The name Junkyard Kings came from a former member who wrote a song with the lyric “asphalt heroes and junkyard kings.”

Being from Tuscaloosa has helped Manos grow as an artist in numerous ways, she said. Her first semester of college was spent in New Orleans, La., but she found herself missing her hometown.

“I have a song called ‘Queen City’ that is about a road that I used to live on,” Manos said. “What inspires me about Tuscaloosa is being from here — wanting to leave, but also loving it.”

Bishop and Manos both said they feel that Tuscaloosa has the potential to be a great art scene.

“It’s not the biggest art scene or the biggest music scene, but it could get better if people tried to work on it,” Bishop said. “An artistic revolution of sorts could happen because it is a college town. It goes through phases.”

Manos said the art scene is important because of forward progress and its importance to the community.

The next steps for the band will include having a more expansive repertoire of songs, being able to play more out-of-town shows and putting out an official album.

“We basically recorded the album ourselves and are stalling on putting out a new album for no reason. That should come out soon,” said Bishop.

The band has several songs on its SoundCloud and Reverbnation pages that are available for download. Junkyard Kings will play at Green Bar Thursday at 10 p.m. There is no cover

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The University of Alabama College of Communication and Information Sciences Hosts Its Annual CommUnity Event

On Thursday September, 25, 2013, students and faculty gathered on the steps of Reese Phifer Hall to learn about the various organizations that the College of Communication and Information Sciences had to offer for their fall Get On Board Day. The event started with Dr. Carol Mills, associate dean of the college, making a short speech, then welcoming various students to the podium to talk about the numerous organizations within the college. Afterwards, the Dean of the College, Dr. Loy Singleton, gave the annual state-of-the-college address. He mentioned several tidbits about our achievements as a whole and within the School of Communication. He announced that the new interim dean position would be filled by Dr. Jennifer Greer: professor and Journalism department chair. After the applause, everyone was invited inside for free pizza and to find out about the organizations within the college. They were all set up at tables in the rotunda. But before that, everyone was told to walk through the side door to retrieve our Bingo-like card that the organizations signed off on. Then everyone proceeded to stand in line for free pizza and punch. People flooded the rotunda, going from table to table, looking for organizations that may interest them. The organizations included were:

- The Academic Honor Council - A group of students who uphold high academic values. You must have a minimum of a 3.25 GPA is required for a seat on the Honor Council.

- Alabama Forensics Council - Students on this council participate in the University’s forensics program and attend competitions.

- Communication and Information Sciences Ambassadors - Students participate as ambassadors of the College of Communication and Information Sciences, to try and promote interest in the field of communication fields and provide opportunities for students to meet with professionals in their field.

- Capstone Agency - Student managed group helping people on and off campus. Students help with research, planning and executing communications campaigns based on the needs of the company

- Capstone Association of Black Journalists - Affiliated with the national organization, CABJ, works as an interest group for information on jobs, internships and scholarships for all majors within the C&IS school with a major emphasis on the needs of minority students.

- Public Relations Council of Alabama -  This organization gives public relations students an inside look the field.

- Public Relations Society of America - The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) is a nationally recognized organization whose mission is to serve members by broadening their knowledge of public relations and giving access to opportunities; and to serve public relations by helping make qualified, professionals. It offers scholarships, internships, networking, resume building opportunities, mentorship programs, committee involvement, National Conferences, regional activities and other professional development opportunities

- Professional Women in Communication and Business - Organization devoted to helping successful communication and business leaders. They encourage networking, professionalism, and understanding how to be an active and dominant leader. 

- Radio Television Digital News Association - A national organization designed to increase students’ awareness and interest in the field of broadcast news.

- Society of Professional Journalists - This organization is open to students interested in learning about the areas of journalism. SPJ is open to all majors and  works to promote journalism ethics, professionalism, and diversity.

- Student Executive Council - Made up of the presidents of each of the College’s student organizations, the College’s SGA Senators and selected members from each individual academic unit. They meets regularly with staff of the C&IS Dean’s Office to discuss issues in the College. The council promotes communication among students, faculty and the administration of the College.