Once again, students must renounce themselves to the monotonous routine that a fresh academic year brings.
However, the new semester means one more thing: Cougfest. What better way to kick-off a new academic year than with a huge, late night blow out concert? Along with the band Augustana, the six-piece band Cody Beebe & the Crooks will rock Cougfest this Wednesday at 7 and after the main show at The Coug.
Formed in 2009, Beebe’s percussive acoustic guitar combines with country and blues to create a truly unique roots rock sound, according to a press release. With enthusiastic stage presence and honest lyrics, Cody Beebe & The Crooks are sure to make Cougfest a blast.
In an interview with Beebe, the lead singer of the band, he defined roots rock as something truly individual, energetic and organic. He described their sound as a blend of a lot of different classic styles. Beebe mentioned rock and roll, blues, country, a little bit of jazz and even some funk, just to name a few.
Beebe also explained the band's name.
“When we first got together, it was kind of a thing for fun, but then after we played a couple shows we realized that we were picking up some speed in Seattle and around the state,"Beebe said."We really run our band like a democracy. All of us have the same input on the songs, so we wanted to add more of a band type of a name, something that sounded classic, vintage you know?”
Thus, Cody Beebe & the Crooks was born. Since their conception, the band has received national attention.
“If this is where they start, where the hell might they end up,” Nick Morrison of NPR said.
The band is returning from a two month long nation-wide tour having performed with artists such as Afroman and Rooney.
“The guys are really excited to stop back in Pullman and rock their alma mater,” the band's publicist Michelle Bounds said.
Five of the six band members are proud WSU alumnus. Their return to campus only proves that once a Coug, always a Coug.
Beebe also described just how important it is to him and the rest of his band to be back in Pullman.
“To play a big school event like Cougfest is awesome. Last year, we played the Homecoming Game at the field house, and it’s awesome to see old friends and old faculty members,"he said."But also to see new faces and meet new people and give back to a place that we spent a lot of good times at.”
Beebe graduated in 2008 and interestingly enough studied civil engineering. He also mentioned that WSU is important to him because his younger sibling is filling in his shoes as a freshman this year.
Cougfest will take place in the Glenn Terrell Mall and is free. Get ready to let loose for a night of great music and remind Cody Beebe & The Crooks just how hard Pullman can rock.
