WWPI brings The Carla Ryder Band to WPI

On Friday April 6th, WPI was graced with an amazing performance by the Carla Ryder Band. Since the beginning of her professional music career in 1994 with the Mudhens, Carla has had the opportunity to open for many bands, including Neil Young, Beck, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Primus, 10,000 Maniacs, Cake, Ben Folds 5, Guster, The Push Stars, and Everything. The performance at WPI demonstrated the amount of talent and the enthusiasm that this band has.

Named by the Patriot Ledger as one of the best shows of the 2000's, Carla Ryder is touring with her debut album Pulling Down Sky. Her presence on the stage spoke for itself. Performing songs from her previous albums and a few pre-released, she captured the audience. Sharing tales of the origins of her songs, her friendliness on and off the stage, and her shear talent made the show a success. After the concert Carla and her band hung around with WPI students and other audience members, signing shirts and CD's. They were so down to earth and amazing.

The show was completely organized by WWPI, the campus radio station, and was held in the Odeum. The lighting and sound were perfect! The atmosphere was relaxed and enjoyable. The band played in their four member set including Carla Ryder on lead vocals, Tara Cojerian on backing vocals, Scott Bressler on bass, and Jon Metters on guitar. Their music cannot be placed into one category, but instead was a perfect mix between rock, folk, country, and Celtic. Carla was once quoted as saying "Being a good songwriter means paying attention & sticking your hand out the window to catch the song on the way to someone else's house". Her inspirations stem from the amazing influences that she has around her, helping to make her music as great as it is.

The Carla Ryder Band's next performance will be on Friday, April 13th, at Valentine's in Albany, New York. To find out more information about the band check out their website at http://www.carlaryder.com.