By Joe Hadsall
Globe Features Editor
JOPLIN, Mo. —
Things are moving quickly for the band Offset Sunset. After almost two years of playing, the band has played a variety of shows, opened up for two major acts and is prepared to record its first album in a few weeks.
Even critics are coming quickly for the band. A few naysayers have created a Facebook group called “We hate Offset Sunset.”
That doesn’t bother singer and guitarist BJ Huffman. (For the record, the band’s official Facebook page has way more fans than the haters’ page.)
“We got some good advice from our management,” Huffman said. “If you don’t have critics, you don’t have fans.”
The band will bring its acoustic folk sound to Art on Tap today. They will play from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Spiva Center for the Arts, located at Third and Wall.
The event will also include food provided by Back Yard Burgers and beer sponsored by Heart of America Beverage Company.
Shaun Conroy, gallery and gift shop coordinator, said that the band will perform in a tent outdoors, and the gallery will remain open throughout. The exhibits “Louviere and Vanessa: As If...” and “Ellen Wolf: Layers” will be available for attendees.
The party is free for members 21 and older, but only for members. Art on Tap is a quarterly event targeted for a younger crowd, Conroy said. It draws a crowd of about 150 members.
“It started out as a membership drive, but it’s turned into a perk of membership,” Conroy said. “It’s a little more relaxed and energetic.”
Huffman said that he, drummer Anthony Greninger and bassist Sean Gaines are excited to make some noise at an art gallery Ñ even if the stage is outdoors.
“We’re really looking forward to it,” Huffman said. “It’ll be cultured. We get to play for some white-collar folks, and that’s something not every band gets to do.”
There’s not much the band hasn’t done already. The band has played “sweet 16” parties and birthday parties for 50-year-olds, Huffman said.
It opened up for Kansas during last year’s Boomtown Days, and Darryl Worley this year. It has written enough songs for an EP, which was due to be released in the fall.
Huffman said the band changed plans, however. Instead of releasing an EP, it will enter the studio and record a full-length album in September. The album should be released at the beginning of next year.
The three band members graduated from Webb City High School in 2007 and started playing soon after.
Huffman said the band plays a variety of musical styles, but its original songs are power-pop style played with an acoustic folk feel.
Members only
Art on Tap is a free event, but for only members of the Spiva Center for the Arts. Memberships will be on sale during the event: $50 for an annual membership, $35 for individuals and $20 for students with ID.
Details: 417-343-3074.
