'Palooza adds new bands to set

The line-up for Loyolapalooza expanded to four bands, with Utris and The Spotlight joining Guster and The Format.

Phil Leverrier, director of Social Affairs for the Student Government Association, said that adding the bands has been in the works for a few months.

"I had them in mind for a while, but I had to wait to get them approved by Guster's people and the school," said Leverrier.

Both bands will play half hour sets opening for The Format and Guster.

Utris is a Washington D.C. based band that formed in the mid-90s. Their first album, the self-produced The Balls Album, garnered the band underground attention and their second effort The Long Walk Home, experienced minor success. The band consists of members Damon Dwyer, Deke Shipp, Andrew Deerin, and John Hastings. According to Leverrier they play mellow, college rock.

Said Leverrier, "Utris is piano-based rock, so it will fit in well with a band like Guster."

The Spotlight plays punk rock and features Loyola senior Mike Toohey as lead singer. The Baltimore-based band competed in mtvU's "Best Music on Campus" contest last year, and released an album entitled Start Taking Chances in 2005. Their next album is due out this spring.

"The Spotlight will work really well with The Format," said Leverrier.

Last year's Loyolapalooza featured only Blues Traveler and performances by a number of student bands, determined by the Battle of the Bands competition. This year's Battle will be held in April.