It's been quite the year for Ed and Cindy Harold of Weskan. More the year for son, Nate, actually. But parents of young musicians usually spend their time asking when their offspring will get a real job.

Not the case for this Wallace County couple. Nate Harold's real job is bass player and backup vocals for the popular indie band Fun.. During the past year, the Harolds have watched with pride as Nate's occupation has had him playing Radio City Music Hall, on Saturday Night Live, and the David Letterman Show, as well as on tour throughout the United States, Europe and Japan.

Last Sunday night, Nate was on stage at the Grammy Awards as Fun. won two of the six nominations received. Fun. was named Best New Artist and their hit song "We Are Young" was Song of the Year.

"It's pretty amazing," Ed Harold said. "We're just proud as punch."

As they should be. And Kansas should be as well. While musicians can and do come from everywhere, it doesn't appear that many Grammy winners hail from the Sunflower State.

While Weskan rightfully claims Nate Harold as a native son, Lawrence also has dibs on him as he played on the club scene in the northeastern city for years. In fact, Nate's been photographed wearing KU shirts at many of Fun.'s gigs.

With an already tight schedule about to get busier because of the significant acclaim, it might be awhile before Nate Harold makes it back to northwest Kansas. Don't worry, though, he'll be in touch with Mom and Dad.

Congratulations to bassist Nate Harold, the entire band and proud parents as well. In case you'd like to see Fun. live, the band will be playing at Denver's Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Aug. 22.

Editorial by Patrick Lowry

plowry@dailynews.net