Two Mississippi Christian rock bands will perform in the Lee Hall auditorium tonight.
Blues-influenced Fancy Pants McGee and Jackson group Flethcer will begin playing around 8 p.m.
Fancy Pants McGee is not a name most would expect for an up-and-coming Christian band.
Jeff Boles, Fancy Pants McGee’s lead singer, guitarist and primary songwriter, said the name came from one of drummer Brent Little’s sporadic statements. Boles said the Meridian-born group wanted a band name that was fun, creative and unpredictable. When they chose Fancy Pants McGee, they got the silliness they were looking for. They also got a name that reflects the creativity of the music they play.
The group projects a variety of styles through their Christian-focused music.
“We have a sound real similar to something like the Spin Doctors-a lot because they’re a three-piece and we are, too,” Boles said. “But we have a lot of jam band quality to our music, too, and my guitar playing has a very bluesy feel.”
Boles said the band tries to make every song different. He also said he feels it is important for music to have a message. “If music doesn’t have any purpose it can seem almost meaningless after a while,” Boles said.
MSU student Jamie Whitley said she really enjoys the band’s music and the drive behind it.
“I’ve seen them four or five times, maybe six,” Whitley said. “Their music is really fast and fun, and they kind of sound like Phish. And I like that they’re worshipping while they’re singing-it’s not just performing.
They really try to get the crowd involved and you can just tell that they have such a love for the Lord.”
The concert, which is being sponsored by the Baptist Student Union and Campus Crusade for Christ, became a reality through the work of Jay Everett, road manager and friend of Fancy Pants McGee.
“I really feel that God has a plan for this event,” Everett said. “I wouldn’t put this much effort into it if I didn’t love the music and the friendships. And the purpose behind it is just incredible.” Fletcher, a four-piece band from Jackson, will also be playing tonight, performing songs from their first album, Friends Don’t Speak.
Fancy Pants McGee is in the process of finishing its presently unnamed debut album, which Boles said he expects to be out sometime before Christmas.
He said the band wants the album to have many different angles of music, from down-home blues sounds to love songs to music with a ’70s rock feel.
“And if anybody’s got any suggestions for the title, let us know,” Boles said laughing.