20 years after disbanding, former members of the Squirrels re-unite for a commemorative live show

In early 1980’s Wilmington, one could count the number of original bands, as well the number of performance outlets, on one hand. The Squirrels appeared in 1982, rising to the forefront of the town’s nascent indie scene, with their dance-able filtering of post-punk and power-pop sounds. Taking their cues from bands such as the Police, REM, U2, XTC, Midnight Oil, and Let’s Active, they arose out of the last gasps of the Wrightsville Beach clubs, and became vanguards in what was then a rather quiet downtown. If you recall establishments such as the Wit’s End, The Patio, Front Street News, or the Mad Monk, you no doubt knew them well.

Much has changed, to say the least, since they drew their last breath in 1987. They have independently, and in collaboration, carried on musically through the years. Chief songwriter Peter Danilowicz left for New York in 1988, eventually tech-ing on tours as diverse as David Bowie and Barbara Streisand. The others have continued locally, with the freewheeling trip-hop collective Magically Delicious.

It’s 20 years on, and the time has come for a look back at what made them special. SQ2 – the Squirrels Re-constructed - AKA sqrlz.com - chronicles the band, and the fertile arts community from which they grew. The (re-christened) sqrlz, featuring original members Peter D (guitar), Danny Samppala (bass), and Matt Fann (drums), plus Jay Manley ( of Velvet) on guitar, have developed a live retrospective show. They will perform a set of their vintage original dance-rock, as well as some powerful post-breakup material never performed before. Plans are also afoot to capture the results, live and studio, for CD and download.

SQ2 is a re-union of old comrades - a celebration of a vital link in Wilmington’s artistic heritage. The Sqrlz re-constructed live event will be a rare occasion to experience a seminal part of that.

SQ2 presents:

the sqrlz

original members of the Squirrels
plus special guests
Friday Dec. 28, 10PM
Soapbox Laundro-Lounge, 255 N. Front St.