With their varied set list and lead vocalist’s Steff Koeppen’s Captain America-inspired dress, Steff and the Articles were one of the big hits from Marana’s Fourth of July Star Spangled Spectacular. The band will make their return to the Town on August 5 as part of the Free Music in Marana event at Crossroads at Silverbell District Park.
As the name implies the show is free, so come out and enjoy the music while lounging in a chair or on a blanket (borrow one from us if you don't have one!). Better yet, purchase a treat from a local food vendor to make your night even more complete.
The band has a nice varied set list that mixes some familiar tunes with new ones.
“Fans can expect to hear covers they can sing along to as well as much of our own original music, which will include a preview of the songs from our upcoming album,” Koeppen said of their September 15th release.
Their performance at the Star Spangled Spectacular had people talking well after the event. Their version of recent and classic top-40 pop songs showed off the band’s ability to add their own musicality to familiar songs. Koeppen herself has a strong, engaging voice, and she is backed by a tight band that includes some unique instruments. A pair of violinists round out their group, providing a distinct sound that separates them from other indie-pop bands.
The band’s performance at the Marana Star Spangled Spectacular not only had the fans clamoring for a return visit to the Town, but had the band wanting to come back.
“The July 4th show was so much fun,” Koeppen explained. “It was the first time we'd played in Marana since we were first getting started in 2010, and there were lots of new ears for us to reach. We were very excited to be a part of such a spectacular town event.”
The event was also a homecoming for the band as several members are from the area.
“Marana is actually where half of the band grew up, so it feels good to go back to where we started playing music and showcase how far we've come as a group,” Koeppen said.
The fact they are playing outside to an all ages crowd is very exciting for the band.
“Events like these are also much different than the bars and clubs we are used to playing in town or on tour, so we enjoy getting the chance to play for a different crowd of people as well as younger fans,” Koeppen said.
The group’s original songs touch on jazz, classical, and folk styles while maintaining an accessible, pop-oriented sound. Infectious and catchy are two words that describe their music and while they do not shy away from the “pop” label, with a band this talented it is hardly a negative description.
The band has built a strong following having opened up for national acts such as A Great Big World, Holychild, and Copeland. Koeppen played on Copeland’s most recent record “Ixora.” Since 2012 the band has released a full length record and an EP, and not only toured extensively around the West, Southwest and Mexico, but saw their single “Two Cities” garner rotation on the MTV Networks.
Their latest record will be released on September 15 and the Fee Music in Marana show will be their last before their album release show. With plans to play a lot after the record’s release, the Marana show is the last of its kind for a while.
“For anyone under 21, this might be the only chance to catch us playing live for the next few months,” Koeppen added.
Free Music in Marana with Steff and the Articles
FREE MUSIC IN MARANA
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2017
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
CROSSROADS AT SILVERBELL DISTRICT PARK
7548 NORTH SILVERBELL ROAD TUCSON, AZ, 85743 UNITED STATES