I was downtown on October 14 for the Falls Town Food Truck Challenge, and on the main entertainment stage Hellen Bach was the first band on the bill. It was about 15 minutes to show time but they were kind enough to give me a five minute interview to get to know who they are.
Hellen Bach was established in 2005 by Chris Hunt, the drummer, and Larissa Brown, lead vocals and tambourine. Kelly Jackson, bassist, and Kris Mask, lead guitarist, have both been with the band for more than two years.
Larissa is a speech language pathologist for the Wichita Falls ISD. Chris is the operations, fleet, warehouse and safety manager for Brian’s Plumbing. He also gives drum lessons through Tracey Music at his studio located at 708 10th St. Kelly is a music teacher at Hayley’s Music located at 1907 Kemp and has a studio at Alley Cats downtown. And Kris is a gypsy music teacher, having studios in Graham and Jacksboro and teaches at Haley’s as well.
Hellen Bach isn’t your ordinary bar band. They only play about one show a month to keep the show fresh, and they pride themselves on being a family-friendly act. They play every year at Halloween, and play family oriented shows around town such as at the Museum and Arts Center Carnivale, Live At The Lake, Concert In The Park, and even at the public library.
With the selection of songs that they perform, Larissa says that the band enjoys watching people dance and sing to their set, and laughing at her jokes.
Hellen Bach has a show coming up on December 16th at the Iron Horse Pub. I have caught their act a couple of times this past year, and every time I can’t resist the urge to tap my toes or to get up and dance. So when I tell you I’ve been to Hellen Bach, that’s a good thing.
-Tim Maloney
