rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
CANTON — The Big Fat Meanies are set to play on the Rialto stage next Friday, April 8.
Doors for the show open at 6:30 p.m., with the concert set to begin at 7.
“The Big Fat Meanies live show is a high energy show that leaves the audience wanting more, which is why they were selected to perform at The Rialto Theatre’s grand re-opening on Friday, April 8,” said Theatre Manager, Bridget Callahan.
“ I met two members of The Big Fat Meanies, Sam Kelly and Rick Ferrarelli, at the Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg, PA back in 2018. They were attending a panel discussion I was mediating. After the panel discussion was over they asked me if I would listen to their music, from then I was hooked.”
The group consists of two guitarists, bass player, drums, lead singer, bass clarinet, trombone, and trumpet.
“The diversity of The Big Fat Meanies will bring the audience to its feet. It is a fantastic show with extremely talented people. All of the members, except for the bass player, are graduates of the Music Program at Millersville University,” she said.
The Big Fat Meanies come from a background that makes them strong supporters of music education in schools.
“They will be hosting an assembly for 7th and 8th graders and for the elementary school at the Canton School District that Friday afternoon before their performance,” noted Callahan. “Our hope is that they will not only attract a more diverse audience to The Rialto, but will also get more students interested in the music program at the school.”
Biography
With an unusually large number of musicians comes an unusually large palette with which to paint. Big Fat Meanies strives to write music with an infinite palette, without boundaries or limitations. Their songs blur the lines between genres, and blend the different musical backgrounds of each member in perfect harmony. Their debut album The Time Has Come… reflects these qualities, and combines an eclectic mix of rock influenced sounds that collide into a monstrous nautical themed soundscape.
Big Fat Meanies have headlined various venues in their home city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania including The Chameleon Club, Tellus360, and Club XL in Harrisburg. BFM has also provided regional support for national touring acts such as Thank You Scientist, Bent Knee, and Stacked Like Pancakes.
To lend an ear to Big Fat Meanies for a night is to guarantee one thing: fun. Whether they were playing to a room of 10 people in their early days, or a room of 200 now, the band’s high energy and infectious stage presence never fails to get a crowd moving.
The Time Has Come… was written over the course of 5 years, primarily by guitarist Sam Kelly. During that time Big Fat Meanies had various lineup changes, but in 2015 the band’s personnel stabilized, and the now 9-piece band started to bring the songs to life. Following the story of The Diver, The Time Has Come… explores the human complex and the individual introspective journey it brings. “I think everyone can take something away from this album. No matter who you are or where you’re from, the songs deal with issues we all face, and I think everyone can find something relatable in this record” says Kelly.
Big Fat Meanies’ live performances and studio recordings offer high-octane talent and a wide array of inspiration that is sure to connect with each listener in a unique way. BFM has been described as “off the wall”, “refreshingly different”, and “a gut punch of danceable high energy.” The Meanies strive to connect with audiences by allowing cathartic contemplation while reminding listeners that they are never alone. “Never have I grinned so much while listening to a recent progressive rock album.”
To buy tickets for this event, go to The Canton Sentinel office or Schoonover’s Plumbing & Heating.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for 12 and under.
“Be sure to come out and celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of The Rialto Theatre on Friday, April 8. It will be a show you won’t want to miss,” said Callahan, noting that Joe Perry’s Winery will be at the event serving slushies and wine.
The Time Has Come… is available now on CD and on all major streaming platforms. To learn more about the Big Fat Meanies, go to https://bigfatmeanies.com/home or find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bigfatmeanies.
The Big Fat Meanies recently won Album Release of the Year at the Central Pennsylvania Music Awards Ceremony.