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North Salem Teen Band Favors That Old Time Rock N Roll

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. -- A bunch of old souls are rocking the tristate area.

Gilbert is made up of Northern Westchester students ages 13 to 16.

Gilbert is made up of Northern Westchester students ages 13 to 16.

Photo Credit: Submitted

Gilbert, a five-person band made up of North Salem students, includes 14-year-old Tara Curran (vocals), 15-year-old Eddie Fiscella (keys), Justin Giacchetto, 16 (guitar), 13-year-old Owen Hughes (drums), and 15-year-old Wilson Yarnall (bass). 

Most of their music is classic rock/soul/funk covers -- think Led Zep, Rush, Deep Purple, Stevie Wonder, and Heart -- but they also have a few originals, including “Juicing The Swine," plus more they are working on.

Since forming in February 2016 -- they originally got together as part of the Justin Veatch Foundation’s program to help young musicians follow their dreams-- they've done a variety of gigs at many local venues including the Paramount in Peekskill, the Yorktown Grange Fair, Hayfields in North Salem and on Pawling Public Radio.

Many of the band members -- three are are North Salem High while the others are at John Jay --  knew each other from attending the Bedford School of Rock. After doing the Justin Veatch show in Peekskill, they made a few changes in the lineup, and Gilbert was born.

So far, their audience tends to be middle-aged Baby Boomers who enjoy the songs from the 60s and 70s. "They definitely have a strong appeal to the parents in the crowd as opposed to their peers," said Phil Yarnall, dad to Wilson.

As for who they keep up with homework on top of constant rehearsals and gigs, Yarnall credits their strong parental support system and practice at Tara’s house where her mother keeps them well fed through long rehearsals. "Sometimes they’ll all sleep over at Tara’s place and rock out into the night… then watch movies til dawn," he said.

An added bonus: the strong friendships they've made. "Good friends can be hard to find, and this band has given them all a level of confidence and purpose that you don’t usually see in kids at their age," added Yarnall.

Check them out -- Yarnall said everyone is blown away when they hear Tara sing -- and then find out she's only 14. They also are surprised such a "young" band can play the classics so well.

Gilbert will be at Amore Ristorante in Mahopac on Saturday, March 18 at 9 p.m.; at Armonk House on Saturday, April 6 at 8 p.m., and at Seaside Tavern in Stamford on Thursday, May 4 at 9 p.m.

They are also one of the bands competing in the Ridgefield Band Jam (at Ridgefield Playhouse) on Sunday, April, 30. 

Go to their Facebook page HERE for more information. 

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