In this monthly column I usually do not write about a band or entertainer unless I have first heard them perform live on stage or on a recording.

This will be an exception, because I keep missing these guys. I’ve never heard them but certainly have heard a lot about them. It’s time they get their due recognition in What’s Hot.

Just the fact that some young musicians are playing instruments is itself worth writing about. The norm these days with the younger generation is digital music, in form of computerised midi sequencers or backup tracks while someone hops around on the stage pretending to be singing. To see guitar strings and drum sticks on a stage is usually left to us old timers.

The band After Skool features David Lee on bass, Stephen Aleria on lead guitar, Franklin Brown on rhythm guitar and Jonathan Wilson on drums and there’s more... these guys actually know how to sing. What a bonus! The group has been inspired by such greats as Guns & Roses, Bon Jovi, Carlos Santana and Bob Marley.

For new and upcoming musicians on this island, that genre of music is another oddity considering most youngsters these days are into rap and the ragga –slackness of dance hall.  Though still new on the rock they are already accumulating awards such as three gold awards at the National Festival of Arts, two for original songs and a first place trophy for percussion.

Just recently they performed at the Children Festival of Arts on 30 May at the Harquail Theatre. Again I missed them being off Island performing at a venue of my own. However on my return some influential residents were talking :- 

“As time moves on so are the ever impressive performances of ‘After skool’. A small group of high school boys have found the passion and harnessed the skills to produce the sound of a big mature rock band. Confidence to bang out any tune and rock with any one on stage the “After Skool” band will leave you in awe and somewhat confounded with disbelief that school boys can jam like that” - 

James Myles ,  Youth Service Coordinator and organising committee member of Child Month’s “Youth-Fest”

Thanks James , until I have the opportunity of hearing them myself – I couldn’t have said it better. I may just have to cancel my next tour for a front row seat to hear “ After Skool”.

For more information and bookings call
Daniel Lee at 526 0687