L to R: Elizabeth Klett, Bethany Cooper, Elizabeth Majerus
L to R: Elizabeth Klett, Bethany Cooper, Elizabeth Majerus
Sarsaparilla was an old-time country folk band with a political edge that flourished in Champaign-Urbana IL. Its members were all named Elizabeth or Bethany. In fact, one of the original names proposed for the band was Elizabethany. The band came together when the Elizabeths' love for old-time country music crystallized into a game plan and they turned to Bethany to complete the outfit. By the time they had finished accumulating musicians they had three singers and two guitarists, and Sarsaparilla was born.
They were quickly a hit with fellow nerds (they're grad students and an English teacher, respectively) at rallies for the GEO and moved on to conquer CU's small stages, including a memorable appearance on WEFT and some smokin' sets at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center (here's a picture of Sarsaparilla on stage).
Local music fans may recognize Elizbeth Majerus from Beezus, a CU band that released two albums on Mud records in the mid 90's. Needless to say, Sarsaparilla is quite a departure from Beezus's sound.
As Mr. Bethany Cooper, I was priviledged enough to have heard virtually every rehearsal of Sarsaparilla, since they practiced in Bethany and my living room. Alas, they are no more, since Elizabeth Klett has moved to Houston.
But their CD, "Pie Eating Contest", is in post production at the time I'm writing this. More news on this bat channel.
In the meantime, please enjoy these mp3's of their WEFT show on 04/22/2002.
