Local band Next 2 Nothing becoming quite a hit

Date Modified: 02/28/2008 11:54 AM

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By Christina Killion Valdez
Post-Bulletin, Rochester MN
2/26/2008

The Rochester band Next 2 Nothing seems to be on to something.

The band is booked every weekend into 2009, with just a few dates left open this summer to be filled in with festivals. Also on the schedule this year is the band's first full-length album due out this fall.

But what makes the band popular might not be what you would expect.

Since 2003 Next 2 Nothing has built a following of fans by playing a mix of popular music on a regular circuit of area bars. Just don't peg them as a bar band that blends into the background.

"A lot of people call our shows concerts," said Christopher Janvrin, the band's founder and bassist.

When possible, the band contracts its sound and lights show. The musicians also use cordless microphones so they're not tied to one spot on the stage. That goes for everyone, since everyone in the band sings, including guitarists Robert Tamayo and Jeff Lien. Sometimes even drummer Pat Whalen swaps places with lead singer Dennis Thompson. They also switched things up a bit last year by adding a female singer Kendra Walker.

But more than the stage show, the band mates like to get the crowd into the music. They lead the crowd in cheers and coax them down to the dance floor with driving beats.

And even though they add a rock edge and their own style to most songs, you can't peg them as a rock band either.

While they respect local rock bands like 7 Day Weekend and Unatural, Janvrin said Next 2 Nothing is a variety band, mixing Top 40 and country hits like "Purple Rain" and "Fishing In The Dark" into their sets of old and new rock 'n' roll.

Even if the musicians personally don't like a song, Janvrin said, if it's a good quality song with a good dance beat they'll play it.

And although his blue streaked hair and painted black finger nails might suggest otherwise, Janvrin said, "I love country more than anything."

Weblinks: www.next2nothing.org