A female-dominated lineup will take the stage at Donkey Coffee and Espresso tomorrow night.
Option 22, a world-beat band from West Virginia, will headline the show led by percussionist/vocalist Lori McKinney. Scrimshaw and the Mariner will also be performing, composing a female vocalist trio oriented toward three-part harmonies. Singer-songwriter Caitlin Krauss will also appear.
Option 22 is a diverse group of musicians, with instruments ranging from banjos and guitars to didgeridoos and hand drums. Last year, Option 22 was welcomed at Donkey Coffee during Spring Quarter and received a standing ovation. The band stands for something more than just the music it produces, though.
“We’re very interested in world music and bringing an eclectic mix of songs from around the world,” McKinney said. “We’re interested in spreading a message of unity and using instruments from around the world to help
spread that.”
The band also is responsible for the Culturefest World Music & Arts Festival in Pipestem, W. Va. Members of Option 22 not only perform music but also participate in theater, performing and visual arts. The band’s Choose the Music was also nominated for Homegrown Music Network’s 2010 album
of the year.
Each musician in Option 22 composes his or her own pieces for each song. The wide range of instruments is necessary to fit the band’s different interests. Folk, Americana, reggae and spoken word are just a few of the band’s genres
of choice.
“It’s a very organic feel,” said McKinney. “We just flow; we’re not trying to emulate any sort of style or fit into any sort of category. We’re just trying to play what we feel.”
Scrimshaw and the Mariner, a Columbus-based band, have recently gained attention in their local music scene. A YouTube video of the trio performing Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” has also had some success on the Internet.
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