By February, most high school students are singing the blues, with winter vacation only a memory and spring break too far off. But the Tri-C High School Rock Off finalists, chiseled down from 75 musicians, are singing rock 'n' roll as they study for the Final Exam Feb. 7.
Started as a way to draw people to the Odeon Concert Club during the slow winter months, the first Rock Off in 1997 had only four rounds and 30 bands total. As acts were added, it moved to the House of Blues and became a whirl in the spotlight that young artists hadn't experienced. "There's thousands of other people there," says Frank Imhoff, director of special events for Live Nation. "There's kids from other high schools, your family and friends, it's almost like a sporting event." Now at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and six rounds, it draws locals and out-of-state bands to vie for a cash prize and free professional studio time.
And for these five musicians, the Rock Off has also been a source of some of the best lessons their high school years had to offer.
Jesse Bryson
Qwasi Qwa guitarist and vocalist, first place in 1997
Hooked: "At that age, playing a packed house at the best club in town was unbelievable. In the finals, a bunch of girls threw their bras onstage." Today: Bryson plays in '90s-style, indie-rock band the Robin Electric, lives in New York City and occasionally shares the stage with his father, Wally Bryson of the Raspberries.
Kira Leyden Andrea
Jaded Era singer,third place in 2001
The Return: "My best memory was coming back years later to host the event and seeing the look in these kids' eyes as they had their moment." Today: She's married to lifelong bandmate, Jeff Andrea, and fronts the Strange Familiar. "Rain," the couple's ode to their daughter, can be heard on Christian rock radio. Other songs have played on TV shows Pretty Little Liars and The Vampire Diaries.
Steve Orlando
The Thrifters drummer,finalists in 2006 and 2007
Dependable Fan: "My mom was like the ultimate fangirl. She wet her pants every single time we played the Rock Off. ... She actually urinated herself from cheering and stuff so much." Today: Orlando is the CEO of NewCell, a startup cellphone company that uses Wi-Fi and data to provide users with unlimited data, texting and calling. His company is a part of Bizdom, the Dan Gilbert-owned business accelerator.
Ray Flanagan
Cheyne-Stokes guitarist and vocalist, second place in 2009
Rebel Move: "This punk band came out, asked the crowd if anyone had heard of the band Leftover Crack, then threw the mic down and started a song. That really shocked some parents." Today: Ray Flanagan and the Authorities, made up of former Rock Off contestants, released their first album in July, began work on a second in January and regularly play venues including Happy Dog and the Beachland Tavern.
Holly Camp
Noize from the Basement bassist, first place in 2013
Dream Girl: "I remember going to the Rock Off when we were too young to compete and watching our friend in Maddie Finn, the first female punk band to win the Rock Off. We never thought in a million years that we'd be up there a few years later as the second female punk band to win it." Today: Camp and Emily Gambone, the Noize from the Basement singer and guitarist, are recording their second album as Goodnight Tonight and can be seen playing stages in Kent.
