Calamity Strikes
The band Calamity has experienced nothing close to its namesake.
No disaster so far; in fact, things have been going so well, the band is already talking about going back in the studio to start work on a second CD — and the first one has not seen its official celebration yet.
The CD release party for the group's first CD, self-titled "The Calamity," will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday at T.J.'s Hideaway, 346 Spithaler School Road, Evans City.
The group had 1,000 copies of that first CD made. More than a hundred have sold so far.
Band member Blaise Stepansky, the bass guitar player, describes their sound as "guitar-driven 1970s hard rock with a bit of grunge."
In addition to 16-year-old Stepansky, the group is made up of 17-year-old vocalist Leland Claus, 16-year-old guitarist Seth Dillon, 16-year-old backup vocalist/guitarist Ryan Fennell and 16-year-old drummer/backup vocalist David Thompson.
All are from Butler and are students at Butler Senior High School.
David, Seth and Blaise have been friends since elementary school and founded the band.
"After a few lineup changes we recruited guitarist Ryan Fennell, and later needed a singer," Blaise said. "We found Lee standing all alone at the Intermediate semi-formal looking like a true rock star, and we asked him if he had any singing experience at all."
At the time, Lee said "no," that he did not have any singing experience. "We didn't care," Blaise said. "He had the look, so we asked him to a practice and 'Wow,' he could really belt it out for never singing in his life."
There are 10 original tracks recorded on the first CD, as well as two bonus tracks of "Reunion," a radio cut and an extended version, Blaise said.
The "Reunion" single has been played on some local radio stations.
"I think what sets them apart is their ability to write songs," said Jay Fennell, Ryan's dad. "They just have great chemistry."
"Composing a song is a group effort. Everyone pitches in their share of the song," Blaise said.
They already have three songs done for the second CD, and many, many ideas, Blaise said.
The band won the East Brady Riverfest Battle of the Bands, which earned the guys a place performing in the East Brady Riverfest Festival.
Their sound can be sampled on the Web site, www.myspace.com/thegreatcalamity.
Their music can be heard live at the CD release party on Sunday, as well as on Nov. 7 at the Rock at Knoch, a high school battle of the bands running from 6:30 to 10 p.m., and on Nov. 26 at the Lyndora Hotel.
"We put on a very high energy show," Blaise noted. "The show includes lots of movement, skillful moves and usually some interesting lights and fog machines."
Blaise said he and his bandmates love to perform in front of people and show what they've been working on. "I've played sports and have done all those sorts of things, but there's nothing like getting on a stage in front of all of your friends, family and fans," he said.
The group's larger goal is to "create music that most everyone can enjoy and revamp what music is today," Blaise said. "We would also like to take this band as far as we can and hopefully one day hit it big."
