Some bands spend years waiting for the chance to play in front of thousands; Local band Stratayo will make it their opening act.
Stratayo,is comprised of Goodrich High School students Asa Lane, 17, and Tommy Hamilton, 18, along with Mike Rinks,15 and Ian Henesee,16, of Clio.
The band will perform at the Labadie River Roar at 6 p.m. on June 24 at Veterans Park in Bay City, opening for the classic rock band, Kansas.
Kansas is perhaps best known for their 1977 hit, ‘Dust in the Wind.?
Though none of the members of Stratayo were even born at the time that single hit the airwaves, they all say classic rock has been a major influence in their sound.
In keeping with the spirit of the headliners, Stratayo will stray from their typical sound, which they describe as melodic metal? ‘heavy, with a lot of melody?? and stick to a classic rock vibe.
‘For the show we’re doing classic rock covers and a few newer covers,? said Rinks, who sings and plays guitar in the band.
Those covers will likely include songs originally performed by: Dream Theater, Fog Hat, Tom Petty, The Rolling Stones, and Coheed and Cambria.
‘It’ll just be a good rock and roll show,? said Lane, the band’s drummer.
The teens landed the show through a connection with guitarist Henesee’s father, who had a friend looking for talent to perform before Kansas. After sending in a audition tape, Stratayo was signed for the gig.
‘It’s our first actual gig as a band,? said Henesee. ‘It’s huge.?
Stratayo will be paid by way of gaining exposure, free energy drinks before the gig and getting to meet members of Kansas.
Although this is the band’s first official performance together’with the exception of what they describe as playing at a few small parties’none of the guys are new to music.
Lane and bass guitarist Hamilton both performed at this year’s Goodrich High School Talent Show. Lane said he’s also performed at Ortonville Baptist Church.
Band members said Christian faith and values are things they all have in common, stressing their abstinence from much of the behavior typically associated with rockers.
‘We’re clean,? said Lane. ‘None of us drink, smoke or do drugs.?
Though the musicians are all in their teens, they said they shouldn’t be dismissed because of their age.
‘We’re young, but we have quite a bit of talent,? said Lane.
All the members of the band credited family and loved ones with supporting them.
And while they aren’t ruling out a future as rock stars, their plans for the immediate future are a bit less complicated.
‘We want to play the show successfully,? said Lane.
‘It’s about just having fun and playing music.?
Tickets are $25 for reserved seating, or free with a phone activation, $4.50 for regular admission or 10 for $40 and are available at Baycom stores in Bay City, Saginaw, Midland and Mt. Pleasant. Proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bay County. Details: Riverroar.com.