“So as a young American woman, listen up!” demands 11-year-old singer Katelyn Mires in a homemade music video. Mires’s cry opens up “American Children,” a song set to the same tune as Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman” and aimed at the ongoing lack of music funding in public schools. “Budget cuts, stay away from me-e” Mires sings, rocking out alongside her bandmates, who include 13-year-old guitarists Cameron Nichoson and Christian Pelonis , and 11-year-old drummer Jack Hogan.
The band, called Stolen Thunder, created the music video in hopes of winning money for their school’s music programs through VH1’s Save the Music campaign. If the video gains enough votes, $5,000 will be awarded to the band, which they will either divide between the players’ four respective school’s programs, or donate to one member’s school.
Stolen Thunder has played at SOhO Restaurant & Music Club, as well as the Lobero Theatre, the Solvang Veterans Hall, The Creekside, and at a few area festivals. Nichoson, who attends La Colina Junior High, has been playing music for four and a half years, while Pelonis, who attends Vista De Las Cruces, has been playing for his entire life. Mires, who attends Foothill, has been singing for just two and a half years. The band’s future plans are to keep building their reputation by playing around Santa Barbara, and to get into the recording studio this summer.
To vote for Stolen Thunder’s “American Children” video, click here.
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