By Sarah Schwartz ’10

They’ve toured with The All-American Rejects, The Academy Is… and Rooney, and opened for Stone Temple Pilots. They’re currently recording their second full length with highly esteemed producer Phil Nicolo. On Saturday, April 24, Jealousy Curve’s path collides with Arcadia University as the band performs on Kuch Field at Woodstock during Spring Fling.

The band embodies the spirit of Philadelphia. Hardworking and diehard do-it-yourselfers, the band has had humble beginnings. Taking the local scene by storm, Jealousy Curve has built its local following through countless regional tours, extending its fan base across the nation and most recently gaining international exposure.

Chatting with guitarist Steve  LaFashia, it’s apparent that the band takes nothing for granted. The band began with just two high school friends when LaFashia and vocalist Michael Leavy initially formed it.

“When we first started out, Mike and I would go see shows and be envious of the full bands onstage while we were home as a two-piece,” says LaFashia. “We thought the name Jealousy Curve fit.”

Rather than feeling frustrated and discouraged, LaFashia and Leavy harnessed their envy into overdrive, creating an inspired demo that prompted Shane Rozum and David Sikorski to join in on drums and bass.

Radio listeners may be familiar with Jealousy Curve’s single “Black Widow,” which won Rockline’s Great American Band song contest in February 2008. The track became a staple on Philadelphia’s 93.3 FM WMMR’s playlist, giving the band the opportunity to kick off the station’s 40th anniversary bash with Stone Temple Pilots in May 2008.

Success often prompts bands to move to New York or L.A., but Jealousy Curve feels as if it would be betraying its roots. “We have always called Philly home and have always loved the friendship between local bands,” says LaFashia. Relocating would make playing their favorite unique Philadelphia venues such as the Electric Factory, TLA and World Café Live infrequent experiences.

“We have been around the circuit so many times and love the staff and fans,” says LaFashia. “We are lucky to have such great venues.” Arcadia University is becoming a well-known Philadelphia college venue in its own right, attracting big names from the international performing circuit.