Camp Arawak

Local bands, such as Camp Arawak, known by die-hard fans as "The Wak", keep the community alive and full of creativity. Founded in 1997 by Jon Chaifetz, drummer, keyboard player and vocalist from Northeast Philadelphia and Spencer Sussman, guitarist, bass player, drummer and vocalist from Philadelphia, Camp Arawak is reunited and ready to dazzle their dedicated following and new fans alike.
Starting a band and establishing a name is no easy task. Many disappointments can come along the glory of being in a rising musical group. Camp Arawak's first performance was at a tavern located in Huntington Valley. At the time of this show, Camp Arawak played mostly cover songs with few originals. Shortly into their set, the house band pulled the plug. This was just a foreshadow to the difficult road ahead of the aspiring musicians.
Following the addition of key members, Camp Arawak were booking weekly gigs at several local establishments and would play a variety of popular cover songs, from Prince to the Pixies, Skynyrd to Queen. Eventually the band grew tired of cover songs and felt their creative juices flowing. The band then began performing original music.
At the time, crowd-pleasing tunes such as "Alyssa Milano" and "Sleepover Party" brought the band great success and popularity in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. Their new found fame led Camp Arawak to a performance headlining at the University of Pennsylvania's Spring Fling.
With gigs at The Khyber and even Barnes and Noble, the Wak's motto is, "anywhere/anytime".
"For us in Camp Arawak, music doesn't have to be about the five senses. It can be about six or seven. Even dimensions and time warps are included", said Peter Suanlarm, vocalist and guitarist. "The fans are our inspiration to continue and grow as musicians" added Jon.
For more information on Camp Arawak and upcoming performances, call 215-264-7750.
Please support your local musicians. - Life Newspapers (Amy Bartley, author)