One of the only calm moments backstage as ATR’s members restlessly awaited their
Alumni Eric Donnelly, ’01, Tim Warren ,’03, and Kurt Leon, ’07, took center stage at Fairfield Theatre Company Saturday Nov. 2; where they performed to an overbooked audience with their band, The Alternate Routes.
The crowd was overwhelmed by the musicianship of each player. Donnelly on guitar, Warren on vocals and Leon on drums opened all ears to in new realm of sound. Together they were unstoppable. But The Alternate Routes were not the only musicians at FTC.
Fans played quarter notes, stomping their feet on the wooden floors. Others sang along with Warren. One fan was even playing ‘air-guitar’ in the back corner of the room.Warren was able to communicate with the audience, feeling as though they were a vital part of the band.
The 90 minute set took the crowd on a journey, exploring the variety of songs that The Alternate Routes had to offer. The band played brand new tunes that will be featured on an upcoming album, as well as songs dating as far back as Warren’s high school years.
Furthermore, the band shifted from a duet with Warren and Donnelly on guitar to the full band with guitars, vocals, drums, keyboards, an accordion, upright bass, and a load of special effects. In fact, he Alternate Routes grow deeper than their musicianship and popularity in Fairfield County.
Their popular track “Nothing More” was written in memory of those involved with Newtown, Conn. and Sandy Hook Elementary. Warren introduced the song with a lengthy and heart-felt introduction.
“Nothing More” supports Newtown Kindness; a non-profit organization that promotes acts of kindness around the world. The song has received radio play on over 25 stations throughout the country (and recently appeared on NBC’s NCIS and 2014 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies) When you download “Nothing More” half the proceeds with go to benefit Newtown Kindness.
When the band is not preforming on stage or supporting their community they display the power and love that exist within the music.
Backstage, there are the rumble of drumsticks on a fold out chair, vocalist singing, others strumming lightly on a guitars, and the conversations. Band-mates talk about how music has brought them together. Artist share the musical milestones they have accomplished and what had drawn them into the industry.
As the band is about to go on stage, some are nervous, others hurry to get their instruments and set-list. When the show begins, everything rehearsed comes together and the true music is heard.
Charles DeFilippo Music 