By TERI L. BROWN
By the time spring weather arrives, local band Sofa will be gone.
Sofa will be playing their final show Saturday at the Soul Kitchen with new local band Star Motel.
Sofa started with its original line up in February 1994. After three years and some personnel changes, original lead singer Darin Hazen is ready to do something different, said saxophone player and percussionist Chris Watson.
'Everyone is really serious about making a career out of it and I'm not anymore. I'm going to concentrate on school and maybe a business for myself,' said Hazen, a senior from Layton, majoring in graphic design.
'I'd like it if I could just skip all the time and the touring and make it big and be famous,' Hazen said.
Through the three years together and the personnel changes, Sofa has accomplished a lot and reigned successful.
Just the fact that they have stayed together for this long is an accomplishment, Watson said. Bands are continually coming and going in Provo.
In March 1995, after many dedicated hours of time and energy, Sofa released their first CD, 'Arcana.' Sofa is now working on recording a second CD, as yet untitled.
Hazen said this CD is for themselves. In case they do completely break up, they will have their music documented.
'It was great to break out of Provo,' Watson said. 'Looking back, all the long hours of work were worth it. What it comes down to is that we love the music and enjoy playing and performing for people.'
The upbeat, funky and catchy tunes were something people could identify with. Sofa uses different instruments in a funky way.
'People expect a horn section in a ska show, but not in a funky music shows like ours,' Watson said.
Hazen puts on a show for the audience rather than just standing and singing.
'He's got great stage presence. He's able to get the crowd into the music -- songs you wouldn't think are danceable become danceable. He jumps around like a crazy monkey,' said Sofa fan Derek Freeman, a senior from Falls Church, Va., majoring in business.
Sofa may continue after they lose Hazen, but under a new name and with a new sound.
'It really depends on if we can find someone with the right chemistry and style. No definite plans have been made -- we really aren't sure,' Watson said.
'We know we aren't always going to have great audiences or perfect stage setups,' Watson said. 'We play because we love the music and it's a great creative outlet for us all.'
Sofa is playing their farewell show Saturday at the Soul Kitchen at 8:30 p.m. with Star Motel. Tickets are $3 and CDs will be for sale.