Bang band members get a whole lotta love from peers

| October 30, 2014 | 0 Comments
BANG band members, from left, Sebastian Juul, Vincent Wade, Lucas Culebro, Charlie Faragher and Nick Vuckovich, range in age from 13 to 15.          Photo by Steve Readmond

BANG band members, from left, Sebastian Juul, Vincent Wade, Lucas Culebro, Charlie Faragher and Nick Vuckovich, range in age from 13 to 15.    Photo by Steve Readmon

Deciding to form a band was easy; finding a drummer was not. “Moms are not as likely to allow drummers to practice in their houses,” noted a member of “Bang.”

Inspiration began at Larchmont Charter school three years ago when students Vinnie Wade and Seb Juul enrolled in teacher George Foster’s afterschool performance workshop, Roxskool.

It started to gel after the discovery of vocalist Nick Vuckovich led to his neighbor, Charlie Faragher, a drummer who said he first learned to play drums in his high-chair, and is most influenced by his mentor, Pete Thomas, a member of Elvis Costello’s band.

After finding Lucas Culebro, who picked up the guitar after transitioning from piano in kindergarten—and names Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page as his favorite guitar player of all time—”Bang” was formed.

Through Roxskool, where bass player and keyboardist Sebastian said they learned by mimicking classic rock, the band has performed at M bar on Vine, Rock and Roll Pizza on Topanga and the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach. On their own, they’ve taken the stage at The Doll Factory, The Redwood Bar and Grill and Fais Do-Do, as well as talent shows at alma mater Larchmont Charter and The Community Magnet Charter School.
“Bang” will return to Club Fais Do-Do, 5257 W. Adams Blvd., to headline a show on Sat., Nov. 8. According to the lead singer’s mom, Amy Vuckovich, the club’s owner is working with the band as well as with the L.A. Drama Club to build an audience and create an arts center for teens in the area. To that end, the ticket price of $6 gains entrance for one person under 18 as well as an adult driver.

“The idea is that kids should be able to express themselves for their peers at a ticket price more in line with a middle schooler’s pocketbook,” said Vuckovich.

If “Bang’s” first performance at Fais Do-Do is any indication, their upcoming gig is sure to be a success. “More than 250 people packed the room at their show in April,” said the proud mom. “Extra staff had to be called in to deal with the kitchen and ‘mocktail’ orders… who knew teens could eat so many chicken strips?” she mused.

While bass player and drummer Vinnie says he’s really into rap music at the moment, the performance is sure to feature something for everyone, including several original songs. “One is a ballad from the point of view of a kid killed in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, and another is about a clingy girl that texts too much,” shares lead singer, Nick.

For tickets, or more information, call Club Fais Do-Do at 323-931-4636.

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Category: Entertainment

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