Hailing from the trenches of rural Belfast, Maine is Afghan Banana Stand, the self proclaimed best band in the universe or the only active band in Belfast, Maine...either is perfectly acceptable. Originally forming in November of 2005 - in a practice that consisted of founding member and guitarist Paul Staples playing a cover of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" with session drummer Nick Scott - Afghan Banana Stand has gone on to survive several line-up changes, overdoses, and threats. Known for the masterful fusing of Punk, Rock and Ska (minus the horns) elements they have won the heart of...dozens...with a fun and energetic musical experience and electice, sometimes eccentric, live show always showcasing their unique sense of humor. On May 11, 2007 they professionally recorded their third EP (the first official release however), Brazilian Bikini Tan, at RockME Studios in Brewer, ME with the assistance of Cory Deshane from the New England School of Communications. The latest EP features 6 songs which generally focuses on their Punk-ish roots (Bloody Saturday Night and Patterson Hill), their Quasi-Ska leanings (Lulu and Nuke the Whales) and their Pseudo-Hard Rock and keen yet politically incorrect edge (Salvia and Polygamy Jimmy). In its present incarnation, the band has been together for a little over a year, but is of course subject to change.

Sadly, as of August 20th, 2007 Afghan Banana Stand has gone on an indefinite hiatus citing both creative and educational differences/challenges (Three members are currently in college).

Now back together as of the Spring of 2008 and tighter (er, and more mature?) than ever, Afghan Banana Stand is reunited with their classic line-up, recording, and touring. Having recorded a brand, spanking new EP titled Drop! the band plans to tour the Northeastern region of the United States in support of their double EP (consisting of both Brazilian Bikini Tan and Drop!). Having returned to RockME studios again as of August 2008, the band also expects to release their first Long Playing album by the end of the year. Stay tuned for more details!

Afghan Banana Stand is:

• Vinton Whitcomb - Vox (AIM Screen name: vint1203)
• Paul Staples - Guitar, Synthesizer (AIM Screen name: eraticeroticcows)
• Aaron Mitchell - Bass (AIM Screen name: beefybot64)
• Austin Turner - Drums, Gong (AIM Screen name: lightening92000)
• Jonathan Cohen - "Tour Manager," Avant-garde consultant, Dedicated fan, Jamendo administrator (AIM Screen name: Sitstp)

The Afghan Banana Stand Discography is:

• Tellin' It Like It Is [EP] (2006)
• Lesbian Dopeheads on Mopeds [EP] (2006)
• The Definitive Afghan Banana Stand (2006 - Compilation/Limited Edition)
• Brazilian Bikini Tan [EP] (2007)
• Drop! [Double EP] (2008)
• Untitled ABS project [LP] (2008?)

More information can be found at: www.myspace.com/afghanbananastand
Merchandise can be purchased at: www.cafepress.com/abswear

Self-Produced Music videos as well as fottage from the 2008 summer tour can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/Beefybot64