West Hartford's Orphan Andies' Music is No Laughing Matter

A pharmaceutical scientist, a dentist and a high school teacher walk into a bar ...

The lineup for Orphan Andies, a West Hartford-based alt-rock trio, sounds like the start of a bad joke.

But their music is no laughing matter.

Indeed, in the year and a half the band has been together, the trio of Andrew Sholudko (guitar, dentist), Matt Palmer (guitar, vocals, scientist) and Andrew Dorr (drums, Avon High English teacher) has recorded several songs and played all over the state.

Not bad for one of the few bands that calls West Hartford home base. Both Andrews actually lived on Quaker Lane in homes across the street from one another, though at different times.

How the band formed is typical of the times. Sholudko and Dorr got together through an ad on Craigslist, while Sholudko and Palmer went to UConn together.

Oh, and just for the record, no one is orphaned. The band name is just a play on words, after their first name - Hope Solo - didn’t pan out because the name is taken by a real person, the goalkeeper for the U.S. women’s national soccer team.

Much like Pearl Jam started off as former NBA basketball player Mookie Blaylock, the name had to be altered.

“If we ever tried out for The Voice, we’d probably have to change our name [again],” Sholudko said.

“I do feel lonely sometimes,” Dorr quipped.

As one would guess just based on their professions, the band members are smart and witty - if the band name wasn’t enough of a hint.

“They keep me in back as much as possible,” Dorr joked again.

Anyway, the band has a pleasant, earthy sound that speaks well of their acoustic rock/reggae influence.

“We try to keep the music real,” Sholudko said.

Orphan Andies’ original songs are primarily about relationships, but not just boyfriend/girlfriend. The songs are more universal.

So far, their adventures have led them to play at the Lily Pad in New Haven, Liquid Lounge at the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford and Hoops & Hops in Simsbury.

They also have a gig scheduled with Will Leet at the Arch Street Tavern on Aug. 31.

The band is also recording an album in its basement recording studio that it hopes to have out in a couple of months. The album’s anticipated name - Quaker Set - is a nod to the Andrews having lived in West Hartford.

“I’m excited to see what the future holds for us,” Palmer said.

Check out Orphan Andies on the band’s Facebook page.