Highway has big success at local band competition

Added by Ella Jensen on October 31, 2012.
Saved under Entertainment, News

By Ella Jensen | Staff Writer

October 31, 2012

While many of Dos Pueblos’ students were out dancing at the homecoming dance, “Highway,” a local band consisting of Dos Pueblos and Santa Barbara high school students, courageously competed in Battle of the Bands in front of a large crowd at Santa Barbara Junior High’s auditorium. Highway was one of the eleven bands featured in the competition and took away the title in the Open Division.

Highway is an alternative/rock band that has worked hard to earn their place. The boys started playing through the Santa Barbara Youth Music Academy and the members are Jason Paras, Joe Osuna, Josh McElwee, Jeremiah McElwee and Liam Cetti.

Recently, the band played in the Greek at Dos Pueblos, and students were amazed by their talent. The five teenage band members enjoyed playing for DP and especially for Battle of the Bands.

Even though the band had the option of competing in the 16 and under division, they chose to show off their skills in the open division.

Winning and even playing in the open division is a huge accomplishment, and the band is proud to say they succeeded. Their competitors consisted of music groups such as The Misfit Toys, Band Jack, and Wreckless Inc. Considering the skills Santa Barbara County’s youth possesses, Highway and all of its fans are proud of the win.

Each group had two songs they performed, and Highway chose songs to intrigue both the audience and judges where they succeeded in doing just that.

Their first song performed was entitled, “Don’t Look at This Book,” and was written by Highway members. The members of the band categorize the song as a power ballad. ”[It has] lots of emotion and showed off every member’s individual skills,” says Paras, Highway’s lead vocalist. The second song played was “The Original,” which got the crowd up on their feet ready for more.

Anyone who has been lucky enough to view any of the band’s performances know that they bring a rockin’ fun time to the Santa Barbara area.

To view a live performance, click here.