If you’re driving by St. Charles Avenue and Monroe Drive you might hear old rock music. Don’t bother calling the neighbors, they won’t answer the phone.
“We ARE the neighbors,” laughed John Ballam, who plays bass guitar for the St. Charles Stainz.
These are not teenagers holding band practice in a garage. Most of the Stainz are over 50.
“Some of us are past residents that have moved, or currently reside here,” said Joe Binns, who plays the drums. “We all have professions. This includes a graphic designer, a political consultant, a
communications director, a hair stylist, and a computer code writer.”
The Stainz get together every Thursday in an attic to jam on some old classic rock. Skill levels vary widely. “Some of us have been in bands (major and indie labels) and for others this is the first time they have played with a group,” said Joe.
Tired of jamming her fist to the ceiling during practice hours, John’s wife Jamie Graham joined as aback-up singer. “If you can’t beat ‘em, well…” Jamie laughed, “…sing with ‘em. I've been in a few bands before as back-up singer.” By day Jamie is an Atlanta attorney.
Acoustical Guitarist and Singer Jeff Jones played around Atlanta and the Southeast since 2000 with the bands Moose Knuckle, The Gorilla Cookies and Man Bites Dog. His voice has an ‘old school’ quality that is appreciated by these neighbors. In the past, Jeff has opened for famous bands like 38 Special and Confederate Railroad, among others.
“If you’re good at remembering names, who are we?” laughed Steve Valk. Steve moved to Atlanta in 1978 so he could work for the Journal-Constitution. Steve plays the congas for the Stainz.
Valk strums the conga and the reads-off a list of the night's musician neighbors. “Let's see there is
me, Casey, Jamie, Mark, Dwight, Joe, John, Jeff and ...Colin."
At the last name, a man plays a familiar melodic rift.
A powerhouse musician, Colin Arnstein began playing guitar at 13. He’s the type of talent that might get lost in the melody and take everyone on a 10-minute musical interlude.
“I’ve written over 100 songs,” he said. Colin moved from Sarasota, Florida to attend Emory
University and has been in Atlanta ever since. He earned a B.A. in music at G.S.U. and later studied
under the tutelage of Thomas Thoreson of the ASO. “We experiment with music,” laughed Colin.
“Everyone is welcome,” laughed Joe Binns. “We practice weekly and the whole block eventually finds a way to our music."
To check-out this happy group of friends, contact Joe joebinns@gmail.com or see the video made of the neighbors during a fun Crawfish Boil.
-- -Ray Macon
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