Strange Arrangement is a local band of two dedicated musicians fronted and founded by the brothers Van Kirk, Warren and Greg. Based on Pine Island, they are true innovators and creators of their own rhythm and blues. They recently played at the Taste of the Cape in April, where they were accompanied by the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra. They also recently won “Best Band Award” from the local Pine Island newspaper.

At first they were known as “The Brothers Van Kirk,” but soon changed their name to “Strange Arrangement.” When asked how that happened, Warren explained that people would comment on some of their songs, saying that their music sounded like a strange arrangement.

Their music genre spans from hip hop, funk, rock style to some country. They are talented and versatile enough to switch from R&B to salsa in the middle of a set. “We both do vocals,” said Greg. “We can even add a fiddle player if people want country and western themed music,” added Warren.

While Warren plays his Godin guitar, both lead and rhythm, Greg works on his Fender Zone bass. Depending on the venue and size, the Van Kirks will add up to seven additional musicians to their group. They can perform as an entertaining duo or expand to a full orchestra with drums, horns, strings and keyboard. “At times we have added backup singers and even dancers,” added Warren.

They perform upbeat music that get people inspired to dance and jive. As professional musicians, they always remember their roots and give back to the community. The brothers host a weekly, free music program for children and adults wanting to explore music and try different instruments. They are determined to bring an interactive experience to anyone interested in the joy of music. Both brothers are talented enough play a variety of instruments which makes it easier to teach those interested in anything from guitar to keyboard. After years of providing private music lessons, they are experienced teachers.

Half of being a musician is loving music and the other half is being creative. The brothers are spreading that feeling, not only to audiences but to people who want to learn more about how music is made.

I visited their Monday evening program at the Pine Island Community Church, which is hidden in the back of an industrial center in a converted warehouse. There, they had a corner full of donated instruments like drums, guitars, keyboards, xylophones, brass horns and even concertinas.

Warren and Greg spent time with each visitor, some as young as two years old, along with many adults. They patiently instructed on every instrument and encouraged the person to enjoy the music they were creating. They explained to children how an instrument makes noises by vibration. Greg showed enthusiasts how to hold chords and gives examples, while Warren explains all about tempos and beats. Warren encouraged a young teenage guitar player, offering advice and telling him not to be shy over missed chords. “Just play and enjoy creating music, the technique will come by itself if it is practiced enough.”

Warren and Greg invite all beginning musicians to join them at these weekly music exposure evening at the church. This “Monday Music” program really works as reflected by the many generous donations made by their sponsors.

The brothers write most of the music that they play and have also written songs for other artists. They are able to uniquely get to that cosmic part of their creative brains where the lyrics and melody form. What they write is original and very good. A popular favorite they wrote and one frequently requested by fans is “Purple Stingray,” Other original tunes are, “All My Beats, You Know I Love You,” plus many more.

Some of these songs are sometimes cute storytelling melodies where people can actually understand the lyrics, while others are more traditional. Warren says that he can tell after they begin a set what the audience wants to hear. “We sometimes get so involved in our music we jump and bounce across the stage to our audience’s delight.”

“With our growing success, we are moving forward to acquiring a publicist who will get us more exposure on-line and in the press,” Warren said. “We have future plans to cut a CD to offer for sale to fans.” They are currently working with a studio, producing a new recording which will be accompanied by a series of music videos.

When asked about any unusual or funny situations that have come up during their gigs, Warren recalls that a number of times people in the audience come up on stage and sing along or play along on imaginary instruments. Warren points out that the success of their band is that, “We play as a group and no one individual stands out trying to showboat.”

Strange Arrangement is a very entertaining and creative band that people should make every effort to hear. Samples of their music can be found on “YouTube” music where you will see video clips that fans have posted. 

The band can be contacted by e-mailing Warren and Greg Van Kirk at reallifeent@aol.com or by calling them at (941)855-0265.