As a rock band performs Green Day’s 1995 hit song “Brain Stew” outside of a garage on Second Street July 15, people passing by slow down. A woman walking her dog across the street stops to listen as the drummer—his hair shaped into a mohawk and dyed metallic blue—bobs his head in rhythm with the song. A few teenagers whizzing by on bikes and skateboards stop dead to watch.
This band is turning heads—and for good reason. The group is comprised of six local kids between the ages of 10 and 14 who play everything from classic rock to punk.
Two seventh graders and an eighth grader at Brownell Middle School handle the vocals, while a freshman at Gilroy High School and a seventh grader at Ascension Solorsano Middle School play guitar and a fifth grader at Luigi Aprea Elementary School plays the drums.
What they may lack in years is made up for by their attitude and musicianship.
The group, called Head Strong, has been rehearsing for nearly two months in preparation for its first official performance, which will take place July 18 as part of the Fifth Street live music series. Head Strong plans on playing a few Green Day songs and a song by alternative artist Evanescence—with a Kiss song as a possible encore.
The band members knew of each other from talent shows at Luigi Aprea, but Head Strong in its current form was born after its upcoming gig was already booked.
Renee Laroche, the mother of 10-year-old drummer Justin Laroche, said she contacted the City to find out how she could find a way for her son and his cousin, 14-year-old guitarist Max Pierce, to play together during the music series.
“When a friend of mine who works with the City called to say we got the gig, I said ‘yes’ and said ‘we only have two musicians,’” Renee said, laughing.
Renee said her husband, Bernard, contacted 12-year-old guitarist Red Diokno and eventually the band recruited 12-year-old singer Noelle Salcido.
“We posted ads at Guitar Center, the Music Tree and local coffee shops for other singers,” Renee said. “I’m still getting calls and say we already have three right now.”
For most band members—aside from Justin and Max, who have performed alongside each other for years—practicing the ins and outs of every song on the set list brought them closer.
“We’re all friends now,” said 13-year-old singer Jasmine Stavrum.
“We’re like a family,” Salcido chimed in.
Setting aside any differences over which singer or musician is his or her favorite, each band member speaks of a deep love of music.
“I think music helps a lot of people; it can improve your mood and your day,” said 12-year-old singer Shaylan Frisby. “It gives you people to look up to—as long as they are good people.”
Justin said he remembered the first song he listened to that really stuck with him.
“I remember hearing the song “American Idiot” (by Green Day). I came home and listened to it millions of times,” he said. “That’s when my dad showed me the rest of the album and I loved it.”
Watching the band practice and perform in front of an audience is a dream come true for many of the parents, who either bang their heads and dance to the music or film their children while they perform.
“We’re definitely proud,” said Andora Salcido, Noelle’s mother. “As parents, it feels good to see them doing what they love, whether it’s kicking a ball or whatever. All the parents are proud.”
“My son has played drums since he was 4 1/2. This is what he’s been wanting to do for a long time, so to see this come to life has been great,” Renee added. “Here we are and their first performance is coming up. This is what they love to do so they’ll just keep going and pursue better opportunities.”
Looking ahead to the group’s first performance, some band members said they were nervous while others said they ‘re used to playing in front of crowds.
“I’ve been behind the stage for a long time,” Noelle said. “I don’t get that nervous performing in front of people; I can get over that and just let my heart out.”
Head Strong will perform a four-song set during the intermission of performances by JJ Hawg—a Morgan Hill-based classic rock band—between 7 and 9 p.m. in front of Station 55 between Monterey and Eigleberry streets.
