Parade goers and fans gathered in downtown Hammond to escape the ‘Let the good times roll’ vibe and to enjoy a more intimate gathering. To the enjoyment of Tacos and Beer diners, a situation anything other than common occurred, the reunion show of local band “Common Situation” took place on Friday night.
“Common Situation” originally included singer-songwriter and guitarist Robert Persac, Will Jackson and Zack Garner. “Common Situation” has been around for about three years. Percussionist Carmen Vessel later joined the band.
Vessel also plays the congas, bongos, shakers, wind chimes and tambourine. Vessel and Persac are currently the only members of the band. Together, the two of them arrange music and write together.
“The name originated from the songs and how they relate to common situations that pertain to life, time and love,” said Vessel.
“Common Situation” performs both covers and original songs. They often cover pop, alternative, acoustic, jazz and rock music from musicians such as “Red Hot Chili Peppers,” “OutKast” and “Pearl Jam.”
“We just decided to incorporate both [covers and original songs] so that people will have more of a variety of songs that they can relate to and also, so they can hear the original songs and get a feel for those as well,” said Vessel.
Vessel, who attends Southeastern, reveals that the reason for the band’s hiatus was a combination of busy schedules and her own change in education.
“I had taken last spring semester off and moved back home,” said Vessel. “We just weren’t really able to meet up.”
According to Persac, he spent a year at Southeastern training in classical guitar and jazz studies. Vessel began musical training at Gonzales Middle School, went on to study music at East Ascension High School and is currently pursuing a degree in music education at Southeastern.
Vessel and Persac both have hobbies that extend beyond center stage.
“My hobbies are making and listening to music, hiking, traveling and a current hobby that I’ve picked up on is playing the ukulele,” said Vessel.
Persac’s non-performance hobbies are art related.
“My hobbies are glow stringing, art and music,” said Persac.
Both Robert and Persac agree their reunion show went well, and they believe that their success is a result of the support of friends and fans, as well as their own determination.
“Our inspiration for performing is for people to hear our music and also, our love for music is definitely a big inspiration,” said Vessel.
According to Vessel and Persac, they believe that the support will inspire musicians and give them inspiration towards their musical goals. “Common Situation” encourages fans to support local musicians.
According to Vessel and Persac, they want fans to know that they plan to remain together. “Common Situation” will perform at Tacos and Beer every Friday night.
Vessel reflects on how both she and Persac feel following performances.
“We usually feel like we’ve just touched the moon,” said Vessel. “Seriously, it feels so great to touch people’s lives through our music, it’s one of the best feelings.”
For more information on “Common Situation,” visit their Facebook page.