Waterfall Braid

I want to personally thank Brandi Dembowski for taking the time...  A whole lotta time that is, to learn and master the Water Fall Braid for my singing competition this past week-end!  Thank You So much!!!

I also want to thank my mom and dad for coming up with this unique braid and pony tail for the show also.

STARTING TO LOOK LIKE A BAND

The band is really starting to take shape and we may have up to 6 members including me next week if  my music everything goes well.  I am very fortunate to have so many people interested in helping me with my music.

Me

ERIC TOOMBS

EVERT CLAESSON

TY KELLER

ZACH STROUP

HEATHER PEDERSEN

First Rehearsal

In less than 10 minutes these three strangers became a band.  This was our first rehearsal as a band...  McKenzie Steiner (Lead Vocals), Eric Toombs (Drums) and Evert Claesson (Bass Guitar).  Songs we worked on were "Rolling In The Deep" by Adele, "Good Girl" by Carrie Underwood and "Done" by The Band Perry.  Below is a link to our first rehearsal.

Click here to view our first reheasal!

Finally caught a Bass!

We finally caught ourselves a Bass!  A big one!  Evert Claesson a Folk Band Player from Lincoln, really impressed me last year when I stumbled acrossed him at the State Fair playing with his band "The Shoestring Band".  Recently I contacted him through Bandmix and sat down and watched his virtual audition  http://youtu.be/nTjLDTPXF-g and interview.  Before McKenzie had to run off for a soccer match and after an hour long meeting they came to the conclusion that they would like to try to get together for a jam session.  Upon receiving his invitation McKenzie and Evert agreed and "shook on it" with a virtual handshake and high five.

Lead Guitar- Ben Curran

Blues lead guitarist Ben Curran has joined our group.  He really impressed us with his smooth licks and stage presence.  We are looking forward to working with Ben.

revised-Kenzie's Band Project- Back-up Lead Guitarist

  Unfortunatly for us Lee Tasey Philosophy, Religion and Literature teacher of Doane College in Crete, Nebraska.  Has to focus on his job becasue of some expansions being made with the school and Omaha.  We wish Lee the best of luck and hope to jam with him in the future.  Until then, rock on!

Kenzie's Band Project- My Newest Member

Please meet my newest member of my band.  Josh Rector- Violin, Mandolin, Banjo, Acoustic G.  Josh recently celebrated his birthday by buying himself a Harmonica so he has an additional instrument to add to his arsenal.  Josh is also a member of two other Lincoln area bands at the moment Emmett Bower Band and Jack Hotel.  We are very excited, cuz if your gonna play in Texas or anywhere, you have to have a fiddle in the band.

Kenzie's Band Project

Tonight we with and gave a two hour interview to Eirc Toombs and after the dust settled ended up skaking hands and being excited to work with one another.

Guitar Center

I want to thank Katie and Guitar Center for taking the time to teach me some of the basics like tuning my guitar and some chords.  I'm looking forward to next week's session!  It's cool that a business like this takes the time to mentor someone like me that loves "The Sound of Music" but doesn't necessarily understand how to make the instrument make beautiful music.

It was also cool that they let me use this beautiful blue Ibenez Acoustic guitar...  I think I know what I want for my upcoming birthday.

This is the guitar my Uncle Russel won and gave to me.  Thanks  Russel, I'm trying to learn how to play it for ya!  With the help of Guitar Center maybe I'll be able to play you Happy Brithday next year!

BUILDING A BAND

Tried this last year and had something goin' but unfortanly it just didn't work out.  That is trying to build a band is tougher than I thought.  Last year we were working with a group called Inline 5.  Some friends of ours through the Nebraska Country Music Foundation.  Two of the musicians are Junior Hall of Fame members just like me.  The only thing that didn't work is the fact that we all lived an hour away from one another and we are minors...  Makes it tough to get together, so that idea was scratched.

This year however we have been concentrating on building a band with musicians all from the Lincoln, Nebraska area and are actually getting something going again.   At the moment I have about three spots in the group narrowed down.  Will start the audition process soon!...  So be on the look out for us!

Today we have a day off from school.  It is Spring Break...  Some Spring Break.  It snowed almost 6" inches.  Anyways, I am bored so I have been working on a song that I have been meaning to for a long time...  Our National Anthem, "The Star Banner".

Successful Fundraiser

Today at North Star High School we honored Mikaelah Molifua (a senior) who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma Cancer by having a Soup Supper Benefit to raise spirits and funds. It was really cool to see so many people helping out and donating their time for the cause. Our North Star Softball Family, High School and community should be very proud to have such a large loving "Softball Family" and I was very proud to be a part of it.  Along with all of the teachers, coaches, players, friends and other volunteers helping I was invited to sing.  When it was my time to sing, I sang the song "There's a Hero" by Billy Gillman and dedicated it to all of the "Heroes" that helped make the event happen and such a huge success.  I also dedicated "What Faith Can Do" by Kutless to Mikaelah and her family. $24,720.00 was raised in just over 4 hours yesterday at the benefit.

Here is a link to one of the songs I sang

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKBqYmhlxmM&feature=share&list=UULuuIGh9EPY8b1ciqsRJGzw