It is a cold night out. Unbelievably cold. 46 degrees cold. And yet there are almost thirty people huddled together in the
petite patio of It's A Grind, in La Habra. Each of them tapping their feet to the sounds of Curmudgeon.
In a bold move, singer and guitarist Camron Ward, 19, takes off his thin black cardigan to join fellow guitarist and band mate Timothy Hatch, in being the only two wearing short-sleeved shirts.
Oddly enough, as everyone is desperately clutching their hot beverages in an attempt to keep warm, the two are sweating, strumming and dancing away as if it were a typical Southern California night.
Drummer (and brother to Camron Ward) Brayden Ward, 17, shakes his head different directions in unison with the thumping of his instrument.
In contrast to the three, bassist Wesley Baxter, stands nonchalantly while playing, at times looking out at the almost empty street.
"We just want to engage the audience." the elder Ward said.
The two brothers started the band in 2004. After some troubles with a former bassist, the duo was then joined by Baxter. Hatch was a part of another band, until one night, they decided to part ways. Hatch then became Curmudgeon's new guitarist.
They each contribute something different to their music, which they don't like to categorize.
"Generally we are a 'rock band'," Hatch said.
Each song can be classified as its own genre." Baxter said. "We just don't want to be caged." the younger Ward said.
Musically, they each listen to everything ranging from Queens of the Stone Age to N.E.R.D.
The songs were a different genre on their own. While one was slow and almost menacing, another was swift and somewhat bubbly.
During breaks, friends would shout either praises or insults, while each band member would murmur something humorous in response.
They have played at venues young musicians would only dream of playing in, including famous places like the Whiskey A Go-Go
and last year's Vans Warped Tour.
Curmudgeon has also won three awards: Los Angeles Music Award for Best Singer/Songwriter in 2006 and Rock City Music Award for Best Orange County Band of the Year in 2006 and 2007.
Camron Ward and Hutch are both music production majors at Fullerton College. Brayden Ward and Baxter are eager to finish their last year at La Mirada High
School, both keeping other interests in mind.
Baxter reveals he would like to study journalism in college, and Brayden tells of applying to art schools. He designs the band's apparel and flyers, explaining he
gets ideas from Native American culture and the "nautical" look.
After they finish, the four young men head outside to meet the 46 degree weather again. Coiling up cords and zipping up guitars into cases, they each start to talk about their next gig.
Thank you very much to the lovely Karla who braved the freezing cold as well to review and interview us! Thank you again to all of you awesome people who also froze your asses off on our behalf! We Love each and every one of you!!!!