Loy Ave. consists of four Breckenridge graduates, Derek Colby (lead vocals/guitar), Justin Casey (guitar/vocals), Alex Johnson (drums), and Brett Jacobs (bass).
The band has had their music posted on the Internet for several months and after hearing the tracks posted, a representative from Moonstar Management invited Loy Ave. to a showcase in Fergus Falls, Minn. The day following the Fergus Falls showcase, the band was invited to play in New York.
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"It's pretty much the same thing, just another showcase, but a possibility for exposure said BW Entertainment manager Nick Nelson. Nelson founded BW Entertainment with Tanner Gruebele. Both are the band's general managers and close friends.
Loy Ave. has played a number of shows throughout the Twin Towns this summer, most recently at Casey's Bar, Breckenridge, also a fundraiser show for the band's trip to New York.
"That was our foundation, it really gave us everything we needed to get there," Colby said.
After selling raffle tickets, donated items from Wahpeton Floral and Gift, and all 50 band t-shirts brought to the event they raised just under $1,000.
Nelson said that will take care of food, travel, lodging, anything extra raised before they leave can go toward additional expenses.
The band is planning a set list of five to 10 songs, half or more of which will be their strongest original songs and a few of their best cover songs.
"You can't really have any goals when you go up there besides to do a good job because we have no idea what New York City is going to be like, none of us have been there," Nelson said.
"Just offer what we have to offer here and hope they like it."
The band played a show nearly every week this summer, teaching them a few lessons along the way and preparing them for New York.
"The amount of sacrifices you have to make to do this is endless. It can definitely be rough at times," Colby said. "It just takes patience."
Communication is just as important to ensure things go smoothly for band.
"If one person isn't filled in on some event or something going on, that really lags back the whole crew," Colby said.
No matter what the outcome of the band's trip to New York may be, the plan is to continue taking this experience step by step.
All the band members have talked about a tour around the border in the next few summers, yet nothing has been finalized. During the months school is in session, they'll do what they can to play together but Casey and Colby may play some acoustic shows to represent Loy Ave.
"We just want to play music," Nelson said.
"Whatever comes out of it, I've had the most fun ever," Colby said.
nyc wrote on Sep 12, 2008 7:28 AM:
Tanner Gruebele wrote on Sep 10, 2008 12:05 AM:
-BW Entertainment- "