Honestly, who doesn’t love … HOT FUN ?!
I’ve known a lot of area musicians for well over 30+ years. I came into the music scene in 1984 playing in a small 3-piece band, then joining Cracked Actor in 1985. About a year after that I met a guitar player by the name of Keni Melby. Throughout the years Keni and I have become great friends. He auditioned for Cracked Actor and that’s where I got to really see his skill as a musician. He played in some really good bands in the area with other musicians that I was becoming fast friends with. People were telling me great things about his bands. On nights off I’d go see his bands. After my stint in CA, Keni and Billy Jones (drummer/singer for Dirty Deal and CA) were playing together in a band called HUSH HUSH. Well, they extended an offer for me to come on board and for a lot of years after that Keni and I would be playing together. Whether it was a small 3-piece band, an acoustic duo or a band called Made in the 80’s. There he was, my friend not only in music but Keni always made sure to appreciate me and make sure I knew he was there if I needed anything.
I speak well of Keni because he is a friend and no matter how long it has been since we spoke last, it always feels like we just spoke yesterday. And as a matter of fact, we did. I reached out to him to check in and to send him my kudos for his new band, “HOT FUN.”
I’ve seen his band’s videos and pics on Facebook and it’s nice to see his vision for this band come to life and to be that good. Keni and I spent time catching up on each other’s lives and what the families were doing as always, but then, it was time to talk about what all of us love… music.
I’m not surprised for his success with HOT FUN at all. He’s got a great work ethic, a great singer, guitar player, keyboards, and a great sense of humor. What blows me away are the musicians that he works with. Peter Cha-what can you say about this guy. I met him many years ago and talked with him about joining a project he was doing. His resume’ as a player and entertainer are tough to beat. Always in one of the better bands in the area and everyone I knew in the area who knew local bands or was a musician, knew Pete.
Let’s move onto Morgan. What can I say about her. I met her years ago through Billy Jones. I went to this cool little bar where the atmosphere was electric. All these people there to enjoy this band I had only heard about- The HOLDERS. WOW! I often thought that when I grew up, I wanted to be in an awesome band like that, with awesome players, playing awesome music to an awesome crowd. If that wasn’t enough … she’s played with some of the biggest orchestras/symphonies in the area. I saw her do Locomotive Breath on flute with South Mountain Breed at an outdoor gig, Made in the 80’s was doing. Blown away!
Keith Sylvester is the bass player. And when I say bass player, I don’t mean just the bass player. Maybe I should have written “THE” bass player. Seems Keith was born into music and inherited great musicianship from his dad, PIP. I saw Keith play in competing bands when CA was playing locally. Always had a great sound, always played the right notes, and always looked the part. And I add, always a nice guy. Keith can do the simple lines, do a cool-slinky blues line then kicks into RUSH. When COVID hit, HOT FUN was one of the first and only bands to live-stream a few sets of music to entertain all of us home-bound lemmings. I know he had a lot to do with the sound of the live stream, but I was blown away by the sound of his bass. After a day or so, I reached out to Keith and asked how he was getting the sounds on his bass. Without a beat and not surprising, he told me what he bought, how he set it up and what it was doing. Some musicians would just blow you off. Not Keith. Class act.
I keep my eyes and ears on all drummers. Having a brother that plays drums and having played with some of the area’s best, I can’t help it. The bass and drums are the foundation. Alec Barnhart to be a young gun has the feel, groove, and the timing. Maybe he gets it from his dad, Jeff Barnhart – who coincidentally is a great bass player himself. *Nice to know that great musicianship is being passed down. It’s understated how well Alec keeps things locked down on drums. Check these guys out when they do their medley of Jethro Tull and RUSH.
HOT FUN has top-of-the-line equipment and lights designed to make you feel the ‘FUN’ and have a great visual experience. Great crew. Playing the DMV area from Ocean City, MD to Winchester, VA and into PA and West Virginia; it would be hard not to want to experience what these musicians have decided to bring to this area… simply put – HOT FUN.
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