OPHIL
Posted on 02. Jul, 2010 by Nick in music
words > TROY R. WELLS
photos > JASON CRILE
In the summer of 1996 I was still an awkward high school skateboard kid, listening to way too much Green Day and NOFX. I was always looking for any all-ages gig that I could afford to go to, and one day my buddy told me that his family-friend’s band was playing at Hyde Park. I was kind of perplexed about going to a park “rec” center to see a band, but was told it was kind of punk, so I was in. We got there and I found a band that would develop great personal friendships and memories, and show me that Wichita had a lot to offer if you wanted to work at it.
The band that spawned so many of my fond memories was OPHIL, a third-wave ska band from Winfield. They were loud, up-tempo, fun, and had horns. I would like to say that I knew what ska was before then, but I was still trying to wrap my head around punk rock and why I loved it so much. All I knew was that that little show had converted me and I was about to take every opportunity to see those guys whenever I could.
OPHIL turned me into a total ska-nerd, and I would dance/skank my legs and elbows into oblivion at every show they played. OPHIL acted as a catalyst for me to enter into a music scene in Wichita that was growing quickly, would eventually shrink, and re-grow again. In my opinion they are often overlooked in the annals of the Wichita underground music scene, regardless of their contributions, how DIY they were, and their work in helping develop an all-ages norm for shows.
From sharing the stage with everyone from Vanilla Ice to the legendary Skatalites, to having the All-American Rejects cut their teeth by opening for them in Stillwater, OK, OPHIL toured, recorded numerous albums, and put something fun and positive out there for people to enjoy. I know I am not the only one who has a story to tell about OPHIL, and people such as myself will have the opportunity to relive some of those memories at the newest installment of the annual OPHIL family reunion. The band looks at this “family reunion” as great way for many of their members to catch up, as they don’t see each that often throughout the year. This is the way OPHIL chooses to keep in touch, and having their fans join them makes for an even better time.
Their reunion will take place August 20th and 21st at Rock Island Live and Kirby’s Beer Store with comedian Daniel Pewewardy and local band Softie opening the gig. This incarnation of the reunion will include the always-present Alex Thomas, along with Sol Arie, Ryan Heinlein, Tim Wetterhus, Justin Stockbrand, Brian Ashcraft, Brett Haralson, Jeremy Wagner, and a possible appearance from Brody Wellman. The usual suspects will be there, and if it is anything like I remember, it’ll be a raucous good time that will probably make you feel old and gleeful all at the same time.
