Some band names are nonsensical. Not Girlyman.
Friday, March 31, 2006 at 18:57 
Though the name of this hot New York folk-pop trio may sound like the butt of an Arnold Schwarzenegger joke, it reveals a central element of the band’s identity. ‘‘It captures our dissatisfaction with traditional gender roles,” Groton native Nate Borofsky said. As one of the new names in folk, Girlyman is the opening act of tonight’s 48th Club Passim Benefit show at Sanders Theatre, joining Lori McKenna, Mark Erelli and headliner Judy Collins. Girlyman luxuriates in rich three-part harmonies, like some classic folk groups of old. But members’ attitudes are anything but traditional. ‘‘We all identify as queer,” said Ty Greenstein. ‘‘We have a large queer following that appreciates that we’re honest about who we are, and also a large straight following who appreciate our honesty as well. We don’t pontificate onstage. We’re just who we are.” Playfulness is part of what’s made Girlyman a hit on the folk circuit. Though its lyrics include topical issues, the joy of friends having fun together is at the heart of their appeal. And they really are friends.Greenstein and Doris Muramatsu met at age 8 and grew up as buddies in their hometown of Princeton Junction, N.J. They met Borofsky when all three attended Sarah Lawrence College. Greenstein and Muramatsu scuffled along as a duo for a few years, and Borofsky was a fairly obscure solo singer-songwriter. But as soon as they got together as Girlyman four years ago, the breaks began to go their way. A first-place win in an independent music contest led to meeting one of the judges, Indigo Girl Amy Ray. A contract with Indigo’s Daemon Records resulted in two CDs.Call Girlyman a true grassroots success story. As headliners, the trio now attracts audiences of 250 fans in cities where they drew 25 a mere two years ago. Take that, Arnold. Link
Listen to GIRLYMAN:
| On the Air Real Audio || MP3 (672 KB) | 1. | Viola Real Audio || MP3 (844 KB) | |
| 2. | Superior Real Audio || MP3 (808 KB) | 2. | Hey Rose Real Audio || MP3 (748 KB) |
| 3. | Speechless Real Audio || MP3 (696 KB) |
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