Charger Arts & Entertainment

Why can’t those crazy kids put on shoes?

Josh Mattingly, Charger Staff

We can all remember last year’s thrilling Battle of the Bands which, in a surprise to many, was won by the now popular Barefoot Sensation. Since then, the barefoot-band has become a household name to practically everyone here at CHS.

Patrick Mayberry, Wes Garner, Tony Neely, Daniel Uthes, and Jake Stanifer unite to form what we all know as the Barefoot Sensation. It was because of this talented combination that I took the time to uncover the origins of this local supergroup.

I first found that Patrick and Daniel have been playing together for several years before starting a “band.” They were later joined by Chris Lun on bass, and Johnny Krammer on guitar.

However, the group never considered themselves a gigging band. The collaboration was more like four friends jamming than a band with set practices. That is until one fateful day when Patrick called Wes Garner and invited him to a jam session.

Together, Patrick, Wes, Daniel and Chris Lun formed their new band, Rained Out. This name was easily decided upon because of the unpredictably of their out door jam sessions.

The band moved to Chris’ basement where they began to have problems with their bassist.

While everything is now resolved, at the time, Chris’ quarrels with the band led to his quitting the group. Before long, he was replaced by the bass virtuoso Tony Neely. Three days later, the band had their first paying gig.

With a check for somewhere around $100, keyboarder Jake Stanifer was invited to join the band. His electric keys added a whole new dimension to the group’s style, sound, and ability to express their musical message.

With their lineup complete, the band set their sights on the Battle of the Bands.

Since achieving this, they have played shows at Crawdaddy’s, Prescott, and the Fall Fun Fest.

With the band’s legacy forever etched into CHS’s history, the band has entertained thoughts of calling it quits. But for the time being they will continue to keep on rocking in Cookeville.

Article prepared for web by Joy Wheeler