Time to break out your flip-flops and apron tops; the Columbus summer extravaganza otherwise known as Comfest is just days away. For many local bands getting into Comfest is the ultimate rite of gig passage. Trains Across the Sea frontman Andy Gallagher is so fired up about his first Comfest appearance that you may see him doing round offs along High Street. “I seriously could not be more excited about this show,” he said.
Trains Across the Sea is fueled by coffee, optimism, and fundamental folk ideals. Founded in early 2007 the band also includes Jim Stehli on piano, guitar, mandolin, accordion, banjo, and kazoo; Carolyn Dever on trumpet and percussion; and Rob Dennome on banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin.
Since he was in fourth grade Andy set out to prove that music is a universal love that can show us everything we have in common. His goals don’t include Lamborghinis or world domination — he just wants to play and record as much as possible. He named the band after a song from The Silver Jews’ first album and draws inspiration from They Might Be Giants, current events, and traveling.
Trains Across the Sea’s debut Comfest performance will feature a 1930’s-era cover song, juggling, a futuristic sing-a-long, and a couple of drummers who’ll be plucked from the festival’s drum circles that afternoon. “We want everyone to see how fun it is to sing, dance, and raise your lungs high to the heavens,” Andy said.
Trains Across the Sea will perform on June 26 at Comfest (at 10:20 p.m. on the Solar Stage), on July 2 at Oldfield’s on High, on July 4 in front of the Gypsy Café during the gallery hop, and on July 11 at The Summit.
Visit trainsacrossthesea.com or myspace.com/trainsacrossthesea for more information.
Alexandra Kelley writes about music for Columbus Underground and can be reached at alexandra477.com.