They’re local, they’re popular, and their Facebook fans rave about them.  They’re the Genkin Philharmonic, and they’re playing at Hallwalls on June 10.

Finding roots at the University at Buffalo, the group was originally intended by its founder, Jon Nelson, to be a class.  Nelson wanted to challenge the students and give them a chance to be part of a band that includes rock, jazz, improvised and classical music in its repertoire.  But the ten-piece electro-acoustic chamber ensemble has grown beyond all of his plans and taken on a life of its own.

The band today is filled with professional players, mostly faculty and alumni from the University at Buffalo.  They have three primary goals.  First, Genkin Philharmonic takes unusual cover tunes and crafts unique arrangements without losing the original spirit.  Second, the group creates original works and interprets the work of current composers.  Third, and finally, they arrange pieces written prior to the creation of electric instruments and still “remain faithful to the original versions.”  This has made the band all the more dynamic and interesting.

The Genkin Philharmonic is a diverse group, drawing from a senior-level music producer at Fisher-Price to the music curator at Hallwalls.  The members all lead busy lives, whether they’re parents, educators or even a students.  Despite this, they still find time for the band.  They’ve even made a CD on the 8bells label.

If you’re interested in seeing them, drop by Hallwalls at 6:30 p.m. on June 10.  Bring your wallet to cover the suggested $10 donation, and sit back to enjoy the music.