Lesson Zero to Rock Fort Hunt National Park Sunday

Northern Virginia based band Lesson Zero will entertain the crowds at

The four members of Lesson Zero, Kerry Miller, “Guitar” George Anspach, Tom Zimmers, Angelo Tornese play both original songs and covers.  Sunday night’s shows will be a mixture of both.

Miller is the only surviving member of the original Lesson Zero, but Zimmers has been a part of things nearly as long.  Lesson Zero has already put out one album is about halfway through their second CD.  Band members live in Springfield, south Alexandria and Woodbridge.

As far as the band’s sound is described, Lesson Zero is a distinct mixture of several different genres.

 “It’s been said that it is ‘roots rock’ with and undertone of blues, pop, indie even with some Cajun and perhaps country with the song lyrics sometimes, they tell stories,” Miller said.

When asked who their influences are, band members say no one specific artist leaps to mind, but Lesson Zero has been likened to some legends.

“We’ve been compared to The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, The Eagles, The Beach Boys,” Miller said.

Lesson Zero’s first CD was all originals with one cover.  Even though playing original music is important to the band, Miller says he realizes people want to hear some familiar tunes at shows.

“It’s a concert and you play your own things, but at the same time, you want to play some stuff that people know and can relate to,” Miller said.  “We’ll try to make it through 12 to 13 songs, probably five originals.”

Lesson Zero covers a variety of artists including the Gin Blossoms, Jimi Hendrix, Marshall Tucker Band, the Beatles, Blues Traveler, Nickelback and U2.

Miller said he’s always loved music and played in his first band back in high school.

“I just fell in love with music and I learned to play every instrument in the house.  When my older brother got a guitar, every time he set it down, I picked it up,” Miller said.

Miller works as an English teacher atwhen he’s not rocking the mic. 

Lesson Zero played last year and is looking forward to this weekend’s show.  It starts at 7 p.m.