Eddie Van Howlin’

Musically talented PGN brothers form the band Doghouse, bring out fraternitiy’s creativity

from DOGHOUSE , page 1

Both Poirier and Huff agreed that music acts will soon become the “name of the game” for JMU-based social functions, noting Harrisonburg’s general appreciation for live music. This may give the business fraternity an upper hand in drawing in viewers as opposed to organizations that don’t have an act of this type, McMillen said.

“It’s not the typical frat music that gets played every time,” Huff said. “People are just going to be excited for something different.”

In tune with PGN’s philanthropic theme and fulfilling a need for live music, Doghouse will accompany the Shady Trace Band, Dancing Dukes and more at Relay for Life’s main event April 28. According to the organization, from 5:00pm-1:45am participants will walk laps around a track while enjoying entertainment and fundraising for the American Cancer Society.

The energy of Doghouse assisted Relay for Life in choosing the band for the main event, the organization said. As the ultimate relay can extend into the early hours of the morning, bands with a contagious liveliness, such as Doghouse, assists walkers in striving for further financial goals.

“We didn’t build Doghouse to give back in that way, the opportunity presented itself,” Huff said. Being able to give back“is just super rewarding.”

With the set scheduled for later this month, the group’s looking for more opportunities this semester to play before Baker and Poirier graduate. While the band’s in discussion about original songs, a potential practice with Tim Miller, JMU vice president for student affairs, and collaborations, the future of Doghouse is uncertain.

Despite the fear of an unwritten future, Huff affirmed a reunion is more than likely if the group “all stays relatively proficient throughout the year.” An aspiration for the band is a returning show in next year’s “Battle of the Bands” hosted by JMU’s University Program Board (UPB).

“I know they would be thrilled to get to perform for as many people as possible and they really want to grow their audience and fanbase,” McMillen said. “Maybe gigs like The Golden Pony, Crayola [House]. I know a lot of bands do that.”

Despite a need to perform in heavily visited Harrisonburg venues, Doghouse differs from other independent acts in the Valley by its sole joy of creating music, which is a rarity, Baker said. Instead of reaching for money or fame with its talent, the group instead seeks to create a fun, high-energy environment in both practices and shows.

“We want the crowd to just be as involved as we are,” Poirier said. The band strived to achieve this feat March 24 by a mix of popular covers, solos and discussion between songs.

“They seemed, like, very excited to be there,” Henderson said about Friday’s show. “You could tell that they liked what they were doing.”

For Huff, being self-taught musicians and having a deep appreciation for music across the band further increases the authenticity of the group. While Doghouse recognizes anyone has the ability to form a similar band, they don’t fall into competitiveness that may cause tension among members, Huff said.

As to why people should care about Doghouse, McMillen concluded that its passion and unique talent is worth coming out to a show for.

“They really love interacting with fans and getting to know people on a personal level that they might have not met before they started playing,” McMillen said.

Huff said, the group will continue accomplishing as much as they can, beginning with the Relay for Life show this month.

“I’ve heard people in person be like, ‘I’m an attractive listener of Doghouse,’” Poirier said. “Yes, you certainly are.”

CONTACT Evan Moody at thebreezeculture@gmail.com. For more on the culture, arts and lifestyle of the JMU and Harrisonburg communities, follow the culture desk on Twitter and Instagram @Breeze_Culture.