Move over Beethoven! TFC to rock Aquarium this weekend
Featured News Story OuterBanks Sentinal Newspaper Feb, 1, 2008
Think those kids playing around with music in the garage are just going through a stage?
Visit a little while with band leader John Hodges of the TFC Band and you might reconsider.
"Three of us started playing together 30 years ago while we were still in junior high school," said Hodges, referring to fellow band members Dario Outlaw and Dentro Ford. "We would play afternoon and weekend gigs. After we graduated from Maury [High School] in Norfolk, we went on the road playing professionally."
The trio formed the 25th Century band in the 70s and later became TFC - Time for Change - with added members Ronald Smith, Oscar Waters, Brian Barnes and Gordon Banks, all from the Tidewater area.
Known for their high-energy performances, the seven-piece band is a favorite throughout the Tidewater area, night clubs and events across the country and on the college circuit.
Although they are known for their performances of Motown music, age is no barrier in appreciating their work.
"A lot of kids prefer the Motown sounds, and we play some of the hip hop tunes," said Hodges, now a resident of Virginia Beach. "We also keep up with the charts, so we play a variety of music - we play to the demographics of the crowd."
Hodges describes the group as a high energy party band known to grab people out of the audience and let them sing. "We try to create a memorable event that is fun for everyone - we want the audience engaged in what we are doing."
And those looking for a little decompression time and some great fun can enjoy the group from 7 to 11 p.m. this Saturday at the Over the Rainbow dance hosted by North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and The Lost Colony.
"We are very excited about bringing this band to Dare County," said Carl Curnutte, executive producer of The Lost Colony. "Nothing chases away the winter doldrums like enjoying great food, drinks and entertainment that you can either sing along with or dance the night away to. This band cuts across the any age barriers and offers something for everyone to enjoy."
In addition to the great music, Dorothy and other Oz characters will welcome and entertain guests throughout a evening which includes a mouth-watering dinner catered by the Black Pelican, a Lily Pad Prize Pond, strolling magician/illusionist and a silent auction.
