Long after the Silicon Valley work day ends, a local garage comes alive with the sound of a band playing just a little bit Past Curfew.
The local group has been playing together in various forms for 26 years. The lineup features Warren Packard (drums), Steve Milne (electric guitar), Rich McCauley (keyboard), Tyler Zeller (vocals) and John Hiss (bass).
For these members, Past Curfew is an artistic avenue that offers perspective away from their day jobs.
Between his 40-year career in tech, McCauley said he values the calming escape that performing provides.
“It gives me a release from all the stresses of the world, and it’s fun to go out and play,” McCauley said. “The creative side of music is an awesome balance to the analytical stuff that I do all the time.”
Warren Packard, a robotics entrepreneur and Palo Alto High School parent, said he sees music as a vital pursuit for students navigating an increasingly tech-driven world.
“AI [Artificial Intelligence] is solving a number of the STEM disciplines, and I think it’s going to be the creative domains where humanity really finds its purpose,” Packard said. “So yes, start a band, play an instrument, pursue art and pursue some type of form of public expression.”
Milne, a retired music industry professional and former Paly parent, said he views the band as a rewarding, lifelong outlet.
“The nice thing about music is that it’s something that you can do as a hobby, even if you have a real job,” Milne said. “Keep following it, even if it doesn’t lead to a profession. You can be an amateur musician like we are and have a lot of fun, and it really enriches your life.”
Step inside Milne’s garage in Palo Alto’s Professorville neighborhood with us to hear Past Curfew’s covers of The Middle by Jimmy Eat World, followed by Tubthumping by Chumbawamba.
Palo Alto Tiny Desk is a student journalist-run project funded by Paly’s Media Arts Center Boosters. We create video packages of local artists from all genres and walks of life to showcase their personality, musical talent and journey. Follow us here on Instagram and YouTube.
