The Kappatalists

By AARON ALPER
Published February 4, 2005

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Who's who: Danny Leibowitz, 21, vocals/lead guitar; Steve White, 21, acoustic guitar; Jesse Ruffo, 21, mandolin; Alex Borsody, 21, bass; Mike Schoenfeld, 22, drums.

A brief bio: Call it fate; a random jam session gave birth to the band. "We all happened to be practicing outside one day together," says Borsody. "And we basically formed from there."

What's in a name? Named after the Kappa Complex at Eckerd College, where the band members are currently living. "We're also against capitalism," says Leibowitz. "So we thought that could be funny, too."

Most likely to be compared to: Phish but with a subversive twist: "We're founded on the principles from old jam bands of Haight-Asbury," says Borsody. "Community through music."

Studio plans: Expect a jam to break out any day now. "We're currently working on demos," says Russo. "And we got a makeshift studio set up."

Upcoming gigs: Catch them Feb. 11 and Feb. 26 at Fortunato's After Dark.

Day jobs: All are current fulltime students at Eckerd College and do not work for the man -- almost. "I just got fired from Barnies," admits Schoenfeld.

Last CD they bought:

Leibowitz: Ray Charles, Anthology

White: Leo Kottke, Peculiaroso

Russo: Chris Thile, Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Borsody: Ondar & Pena, Genghis Blues Soundtrack

Schoenfeld: Bruce Springsteen, Darkness on the Edge of Town

Song they hate to love:

Leibowitz: Toxic by Britney Spears

White: Whatever, Whenever by Shakira

Russo: Crash by The Dave Matthews Band

Borsody: In Da Club by 50 Cent

Schoenfeld: Anyway You Want It by Journey

Most overrated band: All say The Dave Matthews Band.

Check them out at: www.Kapptalists.com