The Toronto Sun, Tuesday August 12, 1997

We take you to their leader Showband from the planet Vegas
By Kieran Grant, Toronto Sun

Sci-Fi Prodigy, the utterly unknown local, um, collective, has a prime directive to go, "where no band has gone before."

Their self-described "theatrical theme concert" at Mel Lastman Square Thursday night features sci-fi theme music, a spaced-out fashion show, and overall rock paranormality.

Okay, so alien-related themes aren't exactly an anomaly in 1997 - a year when X-Files star Gillian Anderson can release a gimmicky techno record. And every second movie released stars space geeks.

According to Sci-fi Prodigy manager and co-creator Marcus, there's "more to this than meets the eye. The third eye, that is."

Marcus, whose outfit will host an after party at the Mad Bar (230 Richmond West) Thursday, says each show will further a story, kind of like a soap opera does.

It's also very Vegas, with its showbiz-y take on space rock - the band does versions of the Star Trek and Babylon 5 themes as well as their own tunes.

And, of course, we can't forget those alien showgirls. All 30 of them, at last count.

"We don't call them models, their alien abductees, in keeping with the sci-fi theme," Marcus explains.

"We want to create a membership. Eventually, we could have up to 100 Sci-fi Girls and Sci-fi Guys we could book for shows."

"This is meant to be accessible. I don't like the idea of a freakshow," he volunteers. "We're not into the idea of demonic possession. That's negative karma. We like to be more positive. This is meant to be fun."

The seed of Sci-fi Prodigy was planted back in 1992 when band leader Patrick Cross decided he'd had enough of being a regular band. He hooked up with numerologist Marcus, who claims the two made an instant psychic connection.

"Patrick was way ahead of his time. He is an Aquarian."

"He was right there on my left flank flying with me."

Marcus now brings his psychic abilities to the Sci-fi Prodigy show as Count Purple, the "Psy-clic Wizard."

"I look at numerical cycles in an audience member's life based on their birth date. Within seconds, I'll have them pegged."

Sci-fi Prodigy recently launched their own segment on the internationally-syndicated, London, Ontario based radio show, The 'X' Chronicles (now called The 'X' Zone.)

Their website at www.globalserve.net/sci-fi, was listed as one of UFO Magazine's top sites.

The band has just released a CD, Something Is Out There, and a CD-ROM The Hidden Truth.

"The disc features recordings made in an actual haunted house," says Marcus. "The band has performed in crop circles. Anywhere where paranormal activity has taken place."

Why Mel Lastman Square?

"We usually work pyramids. We figured we'd try a different angle and go square."