JetStream @ Canyon Club 1.1.11

I have to say it took some convincing to get me out of my pajama pants last night to go to a show. It would be the first show of the year, in a new venue (for me) for a band I've been meaning to see live for over a year. Not only did I get out of my pajamas, I actually got dressed and even put on boots and a scarf. If anyone knows me, that's a lot more clothing than I'm ever willing to put together. In my defense it was cold. And to clear it up, I'm allergic to wearing shoes and too many layers of clothing...not quite an exhibitionist. Anyway, onward to the show. I'm excited that I'm getting more opportunities to see more and more shows and do what I like best....give out my opinion on them.

There I was at the Canyon Club wearing my spiffy blue 21+ wristband....upon entering the place and walking past the bar, I quickly realized I was one of few people wearing a blue wristband. The big sea of crowd in the middle of the club was on average a foot shorter than me and at least 15 years younger. And when the show started I remembered that the band was also half my age. This would be the first time I could bully my way to the front of the stage without getting knocked out. I spotted a few parents in the crowd but mostly, I was surrounded by barely teens, tapping away on their smart phones that were one generation newer than my dinky iPhone. I think one of them looked at me like I may have lost my way to the senior center and quickly hair flipped his way back to the stage.

My point? This crowd was young. After a brief age difference crisis, I settled on enjoying the show.


Three seemingly normal kids hit the stage, by the name of  JetStream...quite frankly the only thing normal about them is their appearance. Everything else is pure talent hidden away into teenage kids. These young men have the presence of seeded rock stars and have zero problems playing to the crowd. Lead singer Garrett Zeile commands the entire club from the first moment they hit the stage. Jumping on speakers, tossing picks to the screaming teenage girl fans, and posing for crowd photographers...this band knows what to do. At first glance...and after a few songs of staring...bass player Kevin Grimmett resembles a young Slash as if he were cloned at age 15. Put a top hat on him and stick a cigarette in his mouth and you'd have me convinced. (smoking is a terrible habit, kids...even Slash realized this and is now cigarette free).

Perhaps one of my favorite people of the entire night was drummer Ben Zelico, who always puts a smile on my face because he seems to be enjoying himself so much on stage! I never once saw him without a smile on his face. If I weren't twice his age I'd have a crush on him and if I weren't just 14 years older, I'd be one very proud mother. It's not fair to us normal people that three kids can be this talented, this good looking and have this much fun doing exactly what they love to do. And boy do they know they are a hot bunch of kids. I don't know if it was because they were playing to their own age group, playing a familiar venue, or because they are just that confident, but these guys are starting to develop quite the swagger.


What's more impressive? They play only their own, original material! Not a single cover in their set list. I've seen many a seasoned band playing cover after cover to try and grab people's attentions and these guys manage to stay away. Kudos for that!

Although this was a heavily packed place, I'd love to see them play to an older crowd for full effect. Their sound is getting heavier and less poppy which I think will fair well with other age groups. I didn't grab a set list, but one song was an absolute hit down to some brilliant bass licks and almost metal double bass drum kicks. By far my favorite. I'll try to get a set list so I can familiarize myself with song titles.

I'm loving this young talent and the direction they are taking. I look forward to their debut album release and I'll definitely keep everyone posted on when this happens.



Look out for Garrett, Kevin and Ben at my favorite venue on the Sunset Strip, the Viper room this Saturday, January 8th.


for all images from this show go here