A few years ago, some members of the Uptown Music Collective decided to pursue their musical interests outside of the Collective and start a band.
The name of that band is Clyde Frog.
The members of Clyde Frog are Torey Harding, Montgomery, on guitar; Josh Hines, Jersey Shore, on guitar and vocals; Collin Dennen, South Williamsport, on bass and vocals; and Chris Kohler, Sullivan County, on drums.
"Chris came up with the name one day; he got it from a TV cartoon character," Harding said. "I think he was looking for the most ridiculous thing you could name a band, and Clyde Frog just stuck with us."
Before forming Clyde Frog, the members had played with UMC throughout middle and high school, according to Harding.
"I remember the first time I saw Collin perform, he was in eighth grade," Harding said. "He was playing the bass and jumping and leaping all over the stage. He was quite the performer from the beginning."
Music is something the guys are very passionate about.
"This passion has drawn us to become better musicians, but also really great friends," Harding said. "It is always such a pleasure every time I get the chance to perform with Chris, Josh and Collin. They always push me to get better and give me tons of inspiration."
As far as influences go, the band puts The Beatles at the top of the list.
"As performers, musicians and songwriters, they have given us inspiration in many forms that has really expanded our creativity," Harding said.
The group likes to find songs that grab the audience and make them feel connected to the band.
"Whether this is a Beatles or an Allman Brothers tune, we try to perform in a way that people are able to connect music with an emotion or experience that they may have," Harding said.
Clyde Frog mostly plays rock 'n' roll and blues music from the '60s and '70s, which means the audience is usually familiar with a lot of the material.
"A lot of people have prior connections to the music we play," Harding said.
And while the band does play covers, it makes sure to put its own original twist on the songs.
"In the end, with some improvisation and creativity, we try to create music that just really grooves.," Harding said.
The band usually plays in venues in the Williamsport area.
"During the school year, we are limited to when we can play," Harding said. "I am going to school in Boston at the Berklee College of Music, Chris is going to Penn College and Collin is a senior in high school."
Over Christmas break, the band was able to set up a lot of shows.
"We plan on playing every weekend and just as much as possible," Harding said.
This summer, the group plans on writing and recording.
"Right now, we are in the beginning stages, but it will be a great experience to explore and expand on our own original music," Harding said.
The band shows no signs of slowing down - it will perform May 21 and July 1 at the Kast Hotel, 723 Arch St.; May 28 at the Lodge Inn, 2019 E. Third St.; June 10 at the Riverside Lounge, 125 S. Main St.; and Aug. 13 at the Muncy Legion, 515 Legion Road, Muncy.
"I really hope that I can continue to share my love for music with these guys, forever," Harding said.
For more information about Clyde Frog, visit www.myspace.com/clyde frogisaband.
To book the band, e-mail tharding1@berklee .net.
