Not only does the name “Poe” carry an artistic flair and edge to it, but Jeff shared that after the death of his father, he learned that although he was a businessman, Jeff “found out after he passed away he had written poems” and drew similarities between his father and the notorious Edgar Allan Poe. Pridgen shared that not only is this the original name, but the name itself has clever literary references. ” Coincidentally, the trio all attended Pasadena City College, which is similar in scope to College of DuPage, around the same time, but met in totally different circumstances.īesides what brought the band together, one question that I had throughout my research and listening process of the band’s current singles was, “Where does the name Poe the Passenger come from?” Though they have toyed with the idea of a fourth member, “something about the three is really special to. However, in 2017, Jeff joined forces with current band members Trent Maderosian and his close friend, Matt Rosenblum, who play on drums and bass respectively. The initial members of the band soon shifted in and out as time went on. Poe the Passenger initially “started off with different acoustic, folk band” vibes, influenced by Jack Johnson, Iron & Wine, among others. with the intention of playing music or even doing the ‘band thing,’” he is now ecstatic that he did.

Considering his voice as “not immaculate incredible,” his adoration for music and being in a band helped him to push his singing voice and learn to “carry a tune.”Ĭonfiding that he “didn’t even move to L.A. Initially he was petrified of singing and opted for a guitar. Looking away from acting, he “stumbled into music and started performing in shows” due to the surplus of shows that occurred daily throughout the city. area, he realized that he “didn’t have as much control in the acting industry.” He worked on some big film sets and roles in YouTube, short films, and various productions. I had always been a big proponent of film and music and I played in a handful of funny bands when I was in. Jeff shares, “I really loved the arts when I was at West. He participated mostly in the Humorous Duet Acting/Dramatic Duet Acting events, and extended his acting and artistic abilities by participating in some of the Glenbard West Theatre plays with Mr. Crowley, currently an English teacher at West, through Forensics. From an early age, he had been into movies, dabbled in activities at West such as baseball, and eventually worked under Mr. Besides graduating as part of the Class of 2011, “within two months of graduating, moved to Los Angeles.” Initially set on becoming an actor or focusing more on acting, Jeff took his one rotary scholarship and the “little money saved” and has been living in Los Angeles since 2011. įirst, I focused on Jeff’s beginnings at West. I sat down with Jeff in early February via Zoom interview and got the chance to meet him in person by D uchon at the end of last month to catch up in person on his up and coming band, Poe the Passenger. This past month, I had the pleasure to converse and discuss the pursuits of Jeff Pridgen, alumnus of Glenbard West from the Class of 2011, who now lives and works in Los Angeles.

The past few years have recognized such alumni in the annual Glenbard West Distinguished Alumni Awards, but was postponed due to COVID-19 related circumstances this year. Many former Hilltoppers have gone on to notable success and have made significant impacts in their fields and industries. Whether it be where I’ll be in 10 years, how far away from home I might be, or frankly where I’ll be going to college next year, the future after Glenbard West is both exciting and contains endless possibilities. As a senior at Glenbard West, the next years of my life are on my mind.

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