In the often-tumultuous world of music, where artistic temperaments frequently clash, there exists a band of brothers whose laughter and camaraderie resonate as deeply as their melodies. Meet The Jellybricks, a group bound by music and mutual respect, whose friendship is as vibrant as the tunes they create.
The Jellybricks’ story is steeped in the diverse musical journeys of its members.
From an early age, Larry Kennedy was destined for the spotlight. At just 4 years old, he captured local attention by singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” at a family reunion. This early taste of fame sparked a lifelong passion for performance. Discovering The Beatles that same year, Kennedy dreamed of joining their ranks. He began his musical quest with piano lessons, followed by violin through grade 12, but his heart was set on playing the guitar. By 14, he had formed his first basement band, setting the stage for his future success with The Jellybricks.
“I was obsessed with The Beatles and always wanted a group where four people genuinely get along, support one another, are kind to one another and are open to each other’s ideas,” Kennedy said.
Garrick Chow’s musical path started with piano and violin lessons in early childhood. In high school, he made the transition to upright bass, playing in the school orchestra and, soon after, bought his first electric bass – a defining moment for him. Chow shares a deep bond with Bryce Connor, a friendship that began in preschool and formed the backbone of their collaborative spirit. Together, they created a band, writing original songs and releasing recordings before college. Despite college challenges, they thrived, playing in bands like Daily Planet and The Morris Chair, ultimately finding lasting success with The Jellybricks.
Connor, known for his guitar skills and vocals, balanced his musical interests with a passion for sports, excelling in soccer and ice hockey. His connection with Chow was a constant throughout his life. As high school juniors, they formed The Evergreen Establishment. Even with colleges 20 miles apart, their musical collaboration endured, culminating in the formation of The Jellybricks in 1996 at Green Room Studios.
Tom Kristich, the band’s dynamic drummer and vocalist, grew up as the youngest of seven siblings, each with unique musical tastes. This diverse exposure shaped his musical sensibilities. At 11, he picked up the drumsticks, diving into percussion. By 15, Kristich was performing in local bars, gaining invaluable experience. His eclectic influences and dedication eventually led him to join The Jellybricks, where his talents found a perfect home. Together, each member contributes as a vocalist and songwriter, creating a unique and harmonious musical process that defines their band.
The band’s name emerged from a brainstorming session at the Green Room, with Rej Troup, a good friend and drummer for The Martini Bros, suggesting The Jellybricks. Everyone loved the yin and yang of it.
“My first idea was to call it Killer Grin, but Rej came up with the best name,” Kennedy said.
The group began performing Kennedy’s six original songs, with collaboration at the heart of their process. Bob Welsh, owner of The Green Room Studios, booked their first gig at Fast Eddie’s in Carlisle, setting the stage for their growing success. The Jellybricks gained momentum fast.
When original drummer Liane Wehler left, the band found themselves in a tight spot and couldn’t imagine continuing without their friend and musical companion. But destiny intervened during a gig at The Vault. Kristich happened to be there, relaxing with friends. Encouraged to join in, he rose to the occasion, and the impromptu performance that night was electric, sealing his fate as the perfect fit for the band. The Jellybricks had become whole again.
Kristich brought his own gear and started playing with the group on a full drum kit from then on, with their first gig being at Jitterbugs. No rehearsal was needed: They had bonded enough that it felt natural, and they were ready. The band secured regular gigs at The Vault on Wednesday nights through Ray Rossi, a popular club DJ who booked bands at the venue.
A powerhouse of talent and energy, the group found a unique sound.
“Despite financial and label challenges, the group’s bond only grew stronger, fueled by putting humor above everything else,” said Kristich. “We really like each other and enjoy creating together.”
That creative process now spans 29 years and has engendered an appeal that stretches far beyond their home state. Drawing inspiration from the ’60s British Invasion to ’90s alternative, their blend of garage rock and power pop has carved out a special musical footprint. Every member has an equal creative voice.
Their differences balance their common ground, evident in their unique collaboration when performing and creating songs. They were first signed to Primitive Records in 1997, releasing “Kinky Boot Beast,” then “Soapopera” in 1999 with Rite-Off Records. The album “Power This” was their first with Kristich on drums in 2004 with Kool Kat Records. Their release “Goodnight to Everyone” in 2008 on Primitive Records cemented them as power pop veterans.
Around 2012, they gained momentum, notching several releases and forming an affiliation with Stevie Van Zandt, founder of Wicked Cool Records. Van Zandt, legendary for his work with Bruce Springsteen and on HBO series “The Sopranos,” recognized The Jellybricks’ single “Rock n Roll Suicide” as the “Coolest Song in the World” on his show, “Little Steven’s Underground Garage.”
“About the Weekend,” released in 2014, was another hit from their album “Youngstown Tune-Up,” followed by the 2019 album “Some Kind of Lucky” on Wicked Cool Records. The single “Brooklyn,” from an album that marked each member as a writer, was nominated for Best Video at the Independent Music Awards, highlighting them as a multi-songwriter band. In 2019, the Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame awarded The Jellybricks as the Best Rock Band in Central Pennsylvania and nominated them for Song of the Year. They are also up for induction into the hall of fame.
Their latest album, “Dreaming in Stereo,” released in 2024 and produced by Geoff Sanoff, features guest guitarist Doug Gillard (Guided By Voices, Nada Surf), and hits like “Age of Stupid,” “Devil’s A Day Away,” and “Dreaming In Stereo,” making a lasting footprint in the music industry. It’s a band that never rests.
With their talent, creativity and genuine passion for their craft, it’s no wonder these nice guys finish first. If you haven’t seen this group, you need to.
Upcoming shows include June 12, The Bowery Electric in New York City; June 14, Cedars West End in Youngstown, Ohio; Sept. 13, Big Hill Ciderworks, with The Super High-Tech Jet Fighters, in Gardners, Pa.
Contact The Jellybricks at: jellybricksmgmt@gmail.com. Their music is available on all music platforms.