Although the group was born in Cleveland, Ohio, the Purple K’nif is currently based partially in the Woodstock area—qualifying the quartet for the title of “the Hudson Valley’s Hardest-Working Surf Band.” Admittedly, there ain’t much in the way of local competition, but no matter: These guys are aces all the way, and their lively instrumental sounds are sure to please even the most discerning surf rocker. And this weekend discerning and casual surf fans alike should bust out their boards and beat it over to the Bearsville Theater, where the band will be carving out the waves as part of the Woodstock Guitar Festival.
Formed in 1991, the Purple K’nif’s tenured members include ex-Life in a Blender bassist Baker Rorick and drummer Chris Butler, formerly of Tin Huey, Dizzy and the Romilars, and the Waitresses (“I Know What Boys Like,” “Christmas Wrapping”). Here’s a splash of the group laying down the hard-twang action in 2011:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVpWgKU9VRk
The Purple K’nif will headline the Bearsville Theater this Saturday, August 24, at 8pm. Rennie Cantine’s Woodstock Guitar All-Stars featuring Joe Beesmer open. Admission is $10. For more information, call (845) 679-4406 or visit http://www.bearsvilletheater.com/.
This article appears in August 2013.
