Teen Bands Perform at The Whiskey in Annapolis

Danny Mays, proprietor of MAYDAN Entertainment, recalls a time when teenage musicians could perform their music.

Mays, who also serves as the emcee and marketing director for the , cherishes the memories of playing in a band and hanging out at “Woods”—the name used to refer to the Community Center/Holy Grounds Youth Center in Severna Park back when they ran Friday night teen shows. But as he grew older, those places disappeared.

"It's kind of sad," said Mays. "I wanted a place for young bands to play in a safe, secure environment."

Mays approached Mike Hearne, owner of The Whiskey, with the idea for Rock of All Ages, a concert for young talent. As a band member in Gold Mind Squad, Mays fit perfectly into the role as a mentor. The concert series debuted last summer at The Whiskey, drawing more than 2,000 paid attendees for the 13-week run. Organizers plan to continue the music programming on a regular basis.

"I hope by doing this it will encourage other bands to form," relayed Mays.

The first fall performance was held last Sunday. Venus Corps hit the stage first. The band shocked the 150 fans in the audience by wearing only boxer shorts and socks to perform.

“It gets hot on stage,” commented Adam McPherson of Southern High School.

The band, whose music resembles the Red Hot Chile Peppers, 311 and Diakaiju practiced new techniques such as communicating through music and random breakdowns at the concert.

Another band, Animal Orchestra, had the crowd dancing to sounds mimicking Green Day and Janis Joplin. Band members play universal sounds such as funk, rock and punk. student Andrew Vasilchenko sang American pop and Russian rap.

Denise Flynn, mother of drummer Cooper Flynn of Broadneck High School, said the key to the band’s success is the fact that they are such good friends.

“They have a lot of fun,” she said. “I think that really helps.”

Having the band practice in her home has helped form a bond with her son.

“I like most of his music," she said. "I don’t mind having it on in the car. You have to connect with your child some way.”

Music has also helped bridge the gap between brother and sister. Karina Schulthe, sister of band member Marston Conti of Broadneck High School, wrote the lyrics to “Someday” while he helped with the melody. The audience cheered as lead singer Kelcey Knutsen performed it on stage.

“I think it’s really exciting,” said , Marston and Karina’s mother. “They work really hard. It was really exciting to watch them perform.”

Huntingtown resident Jenna Licurgo was also beaming as she watched her sons, Andrew and Jon, perform with their band Dead Star Shine. The band is influenced by Three Days Grace and Sting. According to band member Jon Licurgo, “Not all rock needs to be taken as negative.”

Jenna Licurgo remarked at the change in her son, Andrew, since joining the band.

“Andrew’s shy but on stage, he’s so confident; otherwise, he’s perfectly quiet,” she said.

The shows will take place Sundays from 6 to 10 p.m. Advance tickets, available from all performing bands, are $8. Tickets will also be available at the door at each show for $10.

Visit the event's Facebook page for more information about upcoming Rock of All Ages shows.

Editor's note: This article originally appeared on Historic Annapolis Patch.