A few years ago, when four local kids--then in the 3rd and 5th grades--performed a couple of rock tunes at Andover's Fourth of July celebration, they were received by the crowd as a kind of novelty. Today, however, the
Long Tail Monkeys have graduated to legitimate entertainers, playing at gigs throughout New Hampshire twelve months a year. On Saturday, they stole the show at a Jamfest held at Musterfield Farm that featured eight bands.
Hundreds of spectators listened, applauded and danced as LTM demonstrated real musicianship, stage dynamics and poise.
Bemused smiles turned to jaw-dropping astonishment as they charged into a soulful opening cover of Santana's Evil Ways. Max Barrett (eleven) sings lead vocals from the drum kit. His brother, Sam (thirteen) powers the bottom on bass; Tyler Holman (eleven) drives the Korg keyboard/synthesizer, while Logan Marcus (eleven) leads on guitar.
A Led Zeppelin medley settles any doubt of the boys' musical sense. Their confidence and presence is irresistible, fueled by the crowd's ovations after each tune.
For those of us who dabble in musical performance, it is the boys' depth of stage experience that amazes! These kids are booked at charity events throughout the summer; they're featured on a handful of YouTube videos, and they are willing to sign autographs after performances.
Fans come of all ages. The Monkeys created a sensation earlier this year at Kearsarge Middle School.
Sales of Long Tail Monkeys T-shirts and band gear helps to offset travel costs.
This is the band's postcard:
For decades, Andover's
One-Wheelers unicycling troupe has been the source of much civic pride in this small community. Now, the Long Tail Monkeys have attained that status in Andover.
