As part of its mission to shine a light on local talent, the Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater is bringing a handful of local youth bands to the Riverside Park stage.
The latest concert added to the amphitheater lineup this season, Live Under the Sun will feature performances by SR-22, Toasterbath, New Car Scent and Ruby Lane at 6 p.m. May 28.
Many of the young musicians aren't new to the amphitheater stage, having performed during 2021's End of Summer Jam. Jefferson City local Chad Tuinstra, whose daughter plays in Toasterbath, started the End of Summer Jam in 2019, according to past News Tribune coverage, to provide a venue for young musicians to take the stage that's free from the bar-type environment where most up-and-coming performers play.
"Jefferson City is ready to experience some of the very talented youth we have," Tuinstra said in a VenuWorks news release announcing the Live Under the Sun concert. "There was a need to bring them in to the light, to showcase them and show everyone what they have to offer for entertainment. I'm very proud of what all of them have accomplished on their own. Many of them are self-taught, not only in playing music but creating their own. They have many creative original songs, and it's exciting to see and hear what have to offer. Hopefully they will inspire future generations to do the same."
Rock band SR-22 initially began in 2019 with a group of Jefferson City High School friends: Gage Moore on bass, Eric Hargis II on vocals and lead guitar, Brent Henderson on vocals and rhythm guitar, and Matthew Multer on drums. Alivia Bise joined them in 2021 offering a female voice to the mix.
The band's set list includes covers from Heart, Weezer and Paramore as well as some original titles, including "Last Chance to Dance," "Lock Me Up" and "Bluelight."
Another Jefferson City band, Toasterbath formed when the friends were only 14-years-old; they are now recent high school graduates. Bella Parker is on vocals, backed by Lindsey Tuinstra on acoustic guitar and Caitlyn Davis on bass and rhythm guitar. The May performance will feature guests Olivia Taylor and Ryan Grosvenor.
Toasterbath has had local success at various venues and events including West Main Pizza, The Mission, Porchfest and Buck-A-Bone. Their set list includes indie favorite covers from Phoebe Bridges, Phantogram and Foster the People as well as originals "Earrings," "Long Hard Life" and "Inflated."
New Car Scent and Ruby Lane will round out the Live Under the Sun show.
With an album and a few singles up on streaming servings, New Car Scent features Colin Shepard on guitar, Rachel Kelly on bass, Zach Gaines on vocals and guitar, and Julian Quinn of drums.
Columbia-based Ruby Lane is a five-piece band with a love of all genres, ranging from blues and jazz to funk and rock.
Tickets for Live Under the Sun are $10 and go on sale Friday through TicketMaster.com. The Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater is located in Ellis-Porter Riverside Park, 300 Ellis-Porter Drive.