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June 21, 2007

Peabody library books ‘wizard rock’ acts as new way to reach kids

Stacie N. Galang

Muggles beware.

If last night's concert outside the Peabody Institute Library proves anything, it's that a musical movement called "wizard rock" is taking hold outside the world of wizards and witches.

The countdown to the release of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," in 30 days and another Potter movie opening in 20 is fueling interest in wizard rock, music that pays homage to the popular book series.

Young Adult Librarian Melissa Rauseo chose to kick off the library's summer series with the wizard rock concert, a second for the library. Opening acts Justin Finch-Fletchly and The Whomping Willows joined headlining duo Draco and the Malfoys for a two-hour outdoor set as the sun faded into the horizon.

"It's a way to show kids there's more than the books," said Rauseo, who booked original wizard rockers Harry and the Potters last year.

The librarian also said the popularity of the books and the humor of the lyrics has endeared the genre to fans. A plus for any library, the bands also promote reading. About 50 concertgoers of all ages turned out last night.

"It's a chance to get more kids here," she said.

Musicians have often taken their cues from literature. Consider Led Zeppelin's "Ramble On," which mentions Gollum, the Tolkien character from the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

But wizard rock bands | and there are about 100 of them | write their songs exclusively about the Potter book series, and most take on one character or another.

Sporting his white button-down dress shirt and blue tie, Justin Michaelman of Providence, R.I., fits the mold of wizard rockers, despite his foray into the movement only six months ago. His act, Justin Finch-Fletchly, is a nod to the House of Hufflepuff character.

He hasn't tired of songwriting strictly related to Harry Potter.

"There's just so much," he said. "It just doesn't stop."

There's enough to draw two fans south for a two-hour-plus drive. Vermonters Kathleen Bryant, 16, of Putney and friend Jessica Magnuson, 16, of Brattleboro started listening to the music in middle school, but yesterday was their first concert.

"I'm such a huge fan of the books," Magnuson said. "(And the music) just makes it that much better."

They prefer the darker lyrics of Draco and the Malfoys over the sweeter Harry and the Potters. Bryant and Magnuson showed up yesterday wearing green Slytherin ties for Draco Malfoy's house at Hogwarts School.

"I like the character in general," Magnuson said. "Harry is just whiny."

The music also doesn't take itself so seriously. It's funny, Bryant said.

Rockers well before they formed their two-piece band, Draco and the Malfoys, Brad Mehlenbacher, 27, and brother Brian Ross, 32, said the movement differs from others by its reach to all audiences and its lack of pretension.

They got their start as a spoof band of friends Harry and the Potters.

"It's incredibly inclusive," Mehlenbacher said of the musical movement. "It's very warm and open. I've never seen a scene like this."

The animated duo embody the character Draco Malfoy | Harry Potter's nemesis | and write all their songs from his perspective. Ross said they're a straight-up rock band, but the genre has all sorts.

As a muse, Draco Malfoy's rich. Ross said the anti-hero character mirrors real life better than the books' protagonist. Malfoy isn't brave. He's nasty and scared.

With songs like "My Dad is Rich; Your Dad is Dead," the band gets right to the point.

"I think that's why I can relate to him," Ross said. "I think that's what makes him human."

In the front row, three fans held up their cell phones like lighters as the duo performed before them. One of them was 16-year-old Ashleigh Fafar of Saugus, who mouthed the lyrics to Draco and the Malfoys' songs.

"When I found out wizard rock existed, I said, 'Yes,'" said Fafar, a self-described huge Potter fan.

Fafar said the music isn't just for nerds. She started reading the books at age 6.

"It's a lot of fun," she said.

The Bratt family of four turned out for last night's concert but ducked out early.

"We love Harry Potter and we love music," said mother Laurie Bratt, holding 4<1/2>-year-old Christopher.

She'd heard a little about the music and found samples online.

"There was a kid song," said Christopher, who brought his broom with him.

Sarah Bratt, 6, said the music "was loud."

Laurie and her husband, Alan, would have stayed longer if they could.

"We had a great time," Laurie said. "We're only leaving because it's bedtime."



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