Local rock cover band is goin' to the chapel
BY VINCENT TODARO
Staff Writer

Glass Planet, which will perform March 10 at the Unitarian Society in East Brunswick, features Norm Weiss, Art Turnbull, Kimberly Andersen, Regina Pfohl, Rich Wilkins and David Cavuto.

EAST BRUNSWICK - - It's not often you see a rock band play in a church.

But for the liberal religious community that is The Unitarian Society, an upcoming concert is just another way of celebrating life's diversity. The Tices Lane church will host a performance by the band Glass Planet on March 10.

Glass Planet, which plays a mix of pop, rock and blues, has been together about 10 years and has even performed at the Unitarian Society before, according to singer and keyboardist Kim Andersen.

"The Unitarian Society as a religion is very liberal and open," she said. "Our minister [the Rev. Susan Veronica Rak] originally wanted us to play for a Sunday service to bring in younger people."

The band opted for a Saturday night show, which will run 9-11 p.m. It is open to anyone; admission is $7.

Andersen, who has lived in East Brunswick since 1988, said the band currently plays cover songs but is hoping to start doing some original material. It usually performs at clubs and private parties.

The band has had a lot of "coming and going" in the past decade, Andersen said, though it still retains some original members.

"We all have day jobs and do this as a hobby," she said. "When you've been at it this long, you get more experienced and get tighter and tighter."

The current lineup includes Rich Wilkins as a vocalist and guitar player, Art Turnbull on bass, David Cavuto on drums, Norm Weiss on harmonica and congas, and backup singer and flutist Regina Pfohl, who also plays the glockenspiel.

The band members' ages range from early 30s to 50s, and the song material runs from the 1960s up through the songs of today.

Glass Planet was formed when a few members began to get together to play music casually. Word-of-mouth and association led to the band playing out.

Andersen, who majored in music and theater in college, said she also performs as a professional chorale vocalist.

Among the songs in Glass Planet's arsenal are Jethro Tull's "Thick as a Brick," the Eagles' "Already Gone," Tom Waitts' "Jersey Girl" (made famous by Bruce Springsteen) and the Band's "The Weight."

And what does Glass Planet mean? That's up for interpretation.

"We had a list of about 120 names," Andersen said. "Everyone voted for it except the guy who actually submitted it."

Those wanting more information can write to the band at info@glassplanetband.com or call (732) 254-4311.