Tucson natives Michael "Coomers" Coomer and Curtis O'Mara recall the moment they felt the urge to drop everything, pack up and rock out.
"Curtis and I were in our early 20s … but weren't quite ready to settle down. So we decided to reunite and start a band," Coomer said last week in a telephone interview as the band headed to Portland, Ore., to start its 2010 tour.
When the pair decided to get back to rocking, Coomer was living in San Francisco and O'Mara in Nashville, Tenn. Coomer moved to Nashville, but the duo quickly wore out their welcome and decided to move to Austin, Texas.
This week, Harlem returns to Tucson to play two shows: a Friday gig at Club Congress and a Saturday show at the Museum of Contemporary Art.
The MOCA show will mark the museum's grand opening in the former Tucson Fire Department headquarters, 265 S. Church Ave.
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Born and raised in Tucson, Coomer attended Canyon del Oro High School, and O'Mara went to Green Fields Country Day School.
Growing up, they shared a love of music but never aspired to be rock stars.
"My biggest ambition was to play at a friend's house party on Halloween night," Coomer said.
The band is grabbing the attention of music critics around the country and shaking up the pop-punk scene. Harlem blends pop, rock, punk, charm and good looks.
Maybe the two didn't set out to be rock stars, but they're embracing the lifestyle. Search through the bands photos on MySpace and you'll find Coomer double-fisting Pabst Blue Ribbons in one photo and pouring out the remaining beer on top of his head in the next.
Fans of the band have found creative ways to show their support.
"This one chick was wearing just a Harlem T-shirt and underwear at our show," Coomers said. "She kept lifting up her shirt and showing us her underwear the entire time."
Female flashing notwithstanding, Harlem is serious about its music.
"As corny as it sounds, making music was just another medium for art. I don't think of it much different than being a painter or someone who writes comics," Coomer said.
It wasn't until Harlem released its debut album, "Free Drugs," that the band started to generate significant attention. Now signed to Matador, the band will release its second album, "Hippies," in April.
Harlem at Congress
The Matadors will open.
• When: Friday. Doors open at 9 p.m.
• Where: Club Congress, 311 E. Congress St.
• Cost: $5.
Harlem at MOCA
It's a grand opening party!
• When: 7 p.m. Saturday.
• Where: Museum of Contemporary Art, 265 S. Church Ave.
• Ticket info: 624-5019
Tiffany Kimmell is a University of Arizona student apprenticing at the Star. Contact her at starapprentice@azstarnet.com
