About Monday Music & Strange Arrangement

Monday Music and the band Strange Arrangement represent a unique blend of musical performance, community engagement, and educational outreach led by the Van Kirk brothers of Pine Island, Florida. Warren and Gregory Van Kirk have established themselves as influential figures in their local music scene, using their talents not only for entertainment but also for education and social benefit.

The Brothers Van Kirk

Originally from Nyack, New York, Warren (lead singer) and Gregory (bassist, born June 30, 1981) are the driving force behind Strange Arrangement. They are well-known residents of Pine Island, Florida, often seen engaging with locals at venues like the Olde Marina watering hole.

Gregory's diverse musical upbringing, influenced by jazz, funk, rock, swing, and country, contributes significantly to the band's eclectic style. Before forming Strange Arrangement, he played in various other musical groups, building a strong foundation.

Formation of Strange Arrangement

The band's formation was organic. As Greg Van Kirk explained, they initially backed other musicians. "We would play at our house, and people would ask us to help them out. And then we kind of started doing our own thing." Their transition to headliners happened naturally as they were invited to perform songs during other bands' breaks, eventually playing larger portions of the gigs themselves.

Musical Style and Performance

Described by locals as "very strange, but very good," Strange Arrangement draws enthusiastic crowds. Their style spans multiple genres, including pop, funk, reggae rock, hip-hop, acoustic, R&B, alternative rock, electronic, and country music.

A key aspect of their performance is collaboration. While the Van Kirk brothers are the core, they frequently invite other local singers and musicians to join them on stage, turning their performances into a showcase for community talent and creating an ever-evolving musical experience.

In 2020, promotional material described them as "siblings who achieved notability together through music and arts," highlighting that they "work well together and with the group to provide a fun and funky good time, stimulating an environment mixed with a variety of energetic music".

Performance History

Strange Arrangement has progressed from local Pine Island venues to more prestigious stages like the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center. They have also performed regionally, including an appearance at the Down On The Farm Music Festival in Manhattan, Illinois, in 2017.