McALESTER —
Members of a local band which calls itself Anacrusis may be young — but they couple a love for roots music with modern rock to create their sound.
The group calls itself Anacrusis, a musical term for an up-beat or pickup note.
Consisting of McAlester High School students, the band is ready to bring its music to local residents for Thursday night’s
Concert in the Park series.
Music is set to begin at approximately 8 p.m. at Rotary Park, which is adjacent to the J.I. Stipe Center at 801 N. Ninth St.
Once again music is free. Families sometimes bring blankets and food and have picnics at the outdoor event.
Band members are D. J. White on guitar, Nick Wingo, bass guitar; Chris Mayhew, drums and guitar, and William Long on drums.
All of the musicians sing, with White and Mayhew switching off lead guitar duties. In addition to the regular drum set, the drummers also play other percussive instruments, such as conga drums.
The band is definitely blues-influenced.
“We do a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughn and Robert Johnson — blues and classic rock,” said White, who is also the drum major for the McAlester High School marching band.
They also do more modern rock songs, such as “Drops of Jupiter” by Train and “All For You” by Sister Hazel.
Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy” and Johnson’s enduring “Crossroads” are also on the band’s set list.
“We’ve played at talent shows and local venues,” said White. “We’re getting our name more well-known.”
Asked why the group is so drawn to the blues, Wingo said “We like the originality in it. It started a widespread music.”
White said the concert will be good for the band’s exposure.
“Not a lot of kids our age play,” he said.
The band is looking forward to the concert.
“It’s going to be awesome,” said Wingo.
Contact James Beaty at jbeaty@mcalesternews.com.
