Wax Factory to bring variety of sounds to FA5

Louisville-based band Wax Factory will grace the 10th week of Friday After 5 with diverse genres and tunes from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the Jagoe Homes Stage on the Truist Plaza at the RiverPark Center.

“It’s going to be a great event. We’re really looking forward to it,” said Ryan Murphy, drummer and band leader. Murphy said the band has played FA5 for some time, including sets at the former Executive Inn Rivermont. “It’s always been a great crowd and everybody (in) Owensboro always has been fantastic and great,” he said.

The band — which currently consists of Murphy, vocalist Jessica A (real name Jessica Leslie), bassist Joe Stephens and lead guitarist David Kisselbaugh — has been known to perform at a number of weddings and corporate events while also being active on the festival scene. Murphy said the group offers “such a variety” of music that can entertain and attract many demographics. “We play anything from Patsy Cline to Lizzo (and) everything in between,” Murphy said with a laugh.

Murphy said the group began almost two decades ago under the direction of Jason Hobbs, former lead singer, band leader and founder, and primarily played in bars and clubs. Murphy became the leader of the group about eight to 10 years ago following Hobbs departure after accepting a job as a principal for an elementary school.

“... I wanted to, first off, bring in a female lead singer. I wanted to shake that whole thing up,” Murphy said. “Then I wanted to change the songs to be a lot more diverse.

“... When we’re playing out, especially all-ages, you’ve got a little kid out there with his grandmother, they’re both gonna know these songs,” he said. “These are new songs, they’re classic hit songs ….”

Murphy hopes those that decide to spend their evening with the group will be entertained. “As always, I hope the crowd has a good time. I hope they bring some dancing shoes,” Murphy laughed. “I hope that we can create some memories for some people.

“… It’s a beautiful scene (downtown), it’s going to be a beautiful night and we’re gonna have a good time.” Additional performances scheduled include dance, soul and R&B group V-Groove from 8:30-11:30 p.m. on the Romain Cadillac Stage at the Kentucky Legend Pier behind the Owensboro Convention Center and classic rock band 8-Track playing from 7-9 p.m. on the Romain Subaru Overlook stage in Smothers Park.

For more information and updates, visit facebook.com/fridayafter5.