Thirty Dollar Magic cashing in on success

by Ben Lunn staff writer

How could the bands Led Zeppelin, Live, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Pearl Jam possibly add up to $30?

These bands are listed among the influences of Thirty Dollar Magic, a local band featuring student Nick Reilly, 19, on vocals. Nick is a sophomore majoring in English and communication.

Originally Reilly joined the band as their rhythm guitarist, however, after conflicts with the lead singer, Reilly soon replaced him. The rest of the band consists of Dan McFarland, 18, on drums, Charlie Gray, 19, on guitars and Matt Feehery, 17, on bass.

Thirty Dollar Magic began in 1996 when McFarland and Feehery, who had known each other since high school, met Reilly and Gray through mutual friends. The inspiration for the name Thirty Dollar Magic came from a new diet plan that the band saw on an advertising sign for on the street. The sign is now hanging in Reilly's room.

The band has been the winner of many Battle of the Bands contests and played at Cabrini's Spring Fling last year, among many other college gigs.

The past year has been mainly devoted to their new CD, "Dill Road." They self-recorded the CD in Havertown. It was written with a lot of teamwork and cooperation within the band. Each member had the opportunity to write their own parts, and then the parts were put together. They have been known for playing a general type of rock music.

"The CD is a mix of music," said Reilly, "There's something for everyone, from straight rock to ballads."

"Dill Road" is priced at $10 and can be obtained directly from the band by purchasing it from Reilly or by contacting them on-line. They can be found on the web at www.personal.psu.edu/cfg107 or by E-mail at trtydlrmgc@aol.com.

The future also holds promise for Thirty Dollar Magic, as they are slated to play "Greek Week" at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa. The band is looking to have an East Coast beach tour sometime this summer. An independent label is also within their sights, so look for more from Thirty Dollar Magic in the future. They'll just turn up like a bad penny-or $30.