Meet Bands that Rock Along the Race Route of La Grange Rocks 5K Run/Walk Presented by The LeaderShop

The La Grange Rocks 5K race is coming up and once again, the event will feature youth bands along the 5K race route. This year, the race will take place Friday, June 5 at 7:00pm.

The Kids Mini-Me One Lap Race will start at 6:00pm, Kids One Mile Race at 6:15 and the main-event 5K will happen at 7:00pm. The races start from the corner of Cossitt and Gilbert Avenues. Medals are given for different age divisions, including for the 1-Mile race. The La Grange Rocks 5K Run/Walk is a CARA certified race.

As part of this exciting event for the entire family, The LeaderShop is proud to announce that two stand-out youth bands will be featured along the race route. They are Double Identity and C.O.M.A. The LeaderShop had an opportunity to interview the members of both bands, and our conversation with both groups are printed below. Register for the La Grange Rocks 5K today and then come out and cheer for these youth bands on June 5.

Double Identity’s members are twins Arden and Courtney Kurhayez https://www.facebook.com/doubleidentityband

At what age did you discover your love of music?

“We’ve been singing since the age of 2, and began taking music/drum lessons at age 5.”

At what age did you decide you wanted to play for audiences?

“When we were 8, Arden began taking guitar lessons so we could start a band.”

Is it a family affair including mom and dad?

“It is a family affair; we spend many nights and weekends playing at charity events, private parties, farmers markets and fests. The way we look at it is, everybody can’t play soccer, so it’s almost like our sport. You have to love it and be committed, while having fun and reaching the people around you.”

Do you try and dress alike to feature your twin attributes or do you try to each have your own vibe?

“A little of both, even though we have different styles we try to accent each other and look professional.”

How much time a day do you devote to music?

“It varies depending on the time of year with school and what gigs we have coming up. Usually about an hour a day during the week and 5+ on the weekend. During the summer or when we are inspired writing a song, we lose track of time.”

What are each of your long- term goals?

“We both hope to continue to be professional musicians and to record and release our original music.”

Can you tell us about your experience with La Grange Rocks?

“It’s really been a great experience for us, We love being part of the entire event and playing music for everyone from the runners and staff to the people who volunteer their time for the event. Everyone is great! We have been in the same spot for the last few years, and it’s fun to talk to the people who remember us, all while helping out a great cause. We’ve even made some new friends along the way. Isn’t that what it’s all about? We are glad to be included.”

The members of C.O.M.A. are:Cameron Wilkins (CW), vocals and rhythm guitar; Alex Stanczik (AS), lead guitar; PJ Kerstner (PJ), bass; Reilly Wambold (RW), drums; and Matt Albers (MA) Band manager.

At what age did you discover your love of music?

CW- “I discovered my love for music really early on. I can’t remember not loving music. It’s my life.”

At what age did you decide you wanted to play for audiences?

CW- “I decided I wanted to perform when I was singing for some people for a festival and I got this instant rush. Now every time I perform I feel this rush of positive adrenaline that is so amazing.”

How much time a day do you devote to music?

CW- “I feel like I have an instrument in my hand, am thinking of a tune or am singing pretty much all my waking hours.”

What are each of your long-term goals?

CW- “I feel my long term-goals for the band and myself are to just get out there, write some songs and make others happy with my music. I want to make people dance, cry, shout and have a real communal feel to out shows.”

How did you come up with your band’s name?

AS- “We sat around thinking of cool acronyms and then we were like C.O.M.A. for Children of the Modern Age.”

How did you all meet?

“Alex, PJ and Matt knew each other in grade school and they met Cam and Reilly freshman year at LT.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the run/walk and come out to hear the music of these two amazing bands. Register online at www.theleadershop.org, or print out the registration form from the website and mail to The LeaderShop, 4903 S. Willow Springs Rd, La Grange, IL 60525.

Race Packets & T-Shirts may be picked up from Noon - 7pm on June 3 and 4 at The Runner’s Soul in La Grange or on Race Day from 2pm-5:45 at the race site.

So far, groups that are running together include Celtics Soccer Team, Brook Park Running Club, Cossitt Running Club, Gurrie Middle School Cross Country, Ogden Avenue Running Club, S. E. Gross Middle School Track, Spring Avenue Running Club, and Helping Hand client group

Many Thanks to Our Sponsors! Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, Brookfield Financial Plans, Inc., FNBC Bank & Trust, Continental Mitsubishi, Vulcan Materials Company, Clarity Physical Therapy, Pilates By T, PaverCare, Inc., Elements Massage, Chicago Health Medical Group, Athletico, The Wheel Thing, Park District of La Grange, Coldwell Banker – Lindsey Pann Paulus, Cheryl D & Company, Fornaro Law, CorePower Yoga, The Runners Soul, Fluid Running, Edward Jones – Keith Hill, Ledo’s Pizza, Dr. Sarah Kelly

Many Thanks to Our In-Kind Donation Sponsors! PersonalizationMall.com, Corner Bakery Café, DeVries Grocery & Market, Casey’s Market, Home Run Inn Pizza, Skinny Pop Popcorn, King Sports Photography