By J.R. Breen
Contributing Writer
In Haebangcheon, Seoul, new meaning is being given to the term ``band of brothers.''
Jed, Matthew and Samuel Pavlovich are English teachers and tourists by day and play music at night in local bars and other venues.
The brothers make up three-quarters of Son of Pavl (pronounced Paul) ― the translation of their family name. The fourth member is Matt Mangano.
``One day, Jed said it would be really good if you two came out here and we played music together, so we just did it,'' said Samuel, who at 18, is the youngest.
They began in February 2007, when Jed, 26, came to Korea after graduating from university. Initially he taught English in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province, an experience that allowed him to learn much about this country, he said. He now teaches in Seoul.
Both Matthew, 24 and Samuel arrived in October, after graduating from college and high school, respectively. Matthew, now also teaching English, lives by himself, while Sam, who is taking a year out travelling before university, lives with brother Jed.
Samuel and Jed, both having performed in bands before in Korea, are not intimidated by the venues in Seoul. One band that Jed previously played in performed at well known venues Freebird in Hongdae, and Woodstock in Itaewon, both in Seoul.
The Pavlovichs, who are from Williamsville, near the city of Buffalo in New York State, have always been a musical family. Their mother Sally is a singer and father Michael a guitarist and pianist.
``Our parents forced us to take piano lessons when we were younger,'' said Jed. ``There was always music playing in the house. There were always musical instruments around.''
When the parents and sister Emily, 21, join the brothers in Seoul later this month, there are plans for the family to give a performance at Club Ta in Hongdae.
``It's a blast,'' said Jed. ``I'm sure it will be fun.''
The brothers, who's first gig as Son of Pavl was last month at the Hive, will be performing on March 20 at Ole Stompers' Rock Spot, Itaewon. Both performances are part of the Blue Dolphins music event.
Playing live together with his brothers was a positive experience for Jed. ``We were laughing the entire time it was that much fun,'' he said.
If the family aspect is not unique enough, the brothers have another ace up their sleeve. When performing on stage, the three ― mid-song ― switch instruments. Each can play drums, bass and lead guitar.
``It went perfectly, I think,'' said Sam. ``We got panties thrown up on stage at us.''
However, the brothers are not here indefinitely, both Sam and Matt plan to leave in the fall. Jed says he will soon follow to attend graduate school in the U.S.