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Music Notes: Lockren

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The talent: Amanda Loughren (lead vocals),

Jon Purdy (lead guitar),

John Rohlf (drums), Brian Sanny (bass)

The sound: Top 40 country and classic rock

The gigs: Oct. 30, 9 p.m., Meskwaki Casino in Tama; Oct. 31, 9 p.m. Halloween Party and Costume Contest at The Stockyard in Wayland; Nov. 7, 9 p.m. at Wildwood Smokehouse & Saloon in Iowa City

The rest of the story: www.lockren.com

What do you get when you mix a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, a heap of Shania Twain, a touch of Led Zepplin, a sarcastic bassist and a guitarist who has been playing 13 years longer than his lead singer has been alive?

A musical stew that tastes slightly like cowboy and leather and Eastern Iowa’s very own Lockren.

Lockren is a melting pot of diverse talent brought together to cover and re-imagine top 40 country hits across the state, all tied up with a 22-year-old lead singer who’s been rocking socks off for nearly a decade already.

Formed in 2005 out of the remnants of a group called Diablo, Lockren has been delivering fun, high energy shows for over four years now. They love what they do, and they try to deliver that message on stage.

“We have the same energy for five people as we do for 1,000,” says bassist Brian Sanny, who described their style as “kick butt country, kick butt rock and roll.”

At a Lockren show, the audience should expect covers ranging from modern stars like Carrie Underwood all the way to classics like Johnny Cash, and everything in between. The group makes sure the audience is involved and having fun.

How Lockren came together is a study in random connections and cosmic kismet.

When current sound man Arnie Benning started putting together talent out of the remains of Diablo, he was introduced to Amanda Loughren by way of her friend’s grandmother, who happen to play in a band Arnie knew. He was blown away by her demo, and started putting together talent around her, including John Rolf on drums and lead guitarist Jon Purdy, who’s been around long enough to have played in bands opening for the likes of Tommy Bolin and Deep Purple, Jackson Browne and ELO. Thus, Lockren (a respelling of Loughren) was born.

They hope to add to their resume early in 2010, when Amanda and Brian finish enough original tracks to produce an album.

In the meantime, they’re having fun traveling Iowa and showing that, no matter how different they may be, it all sounds the same when they’re on the stage.

— BLAKE

Chad Kreel’s Fave Five

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0514_hoo_chadkreel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chad Kreel, 32, Mechanicsville
Director of Marketing @ Community Savings Bank

 

 

0514_hoo_favefivefishingThe great outdoors
For all those outdoor and nature nuts, you know what I’m talking about. Fishing and hunting are the name of the game. The thrill when your fishing pole gets a hit by something big and the prize and adrenaline rush when you’re bringing it in. There’s nothing like it! Bring it on!

 

 
0514_hoo_favefivecyclingCycling
I never thought I would be on the road, riding a bike. Now it’s in my blood. Where else can you hit the road, be competitive, and get a good workout? OK, I’m sure some of you have other things, but cycling is a workout like no other. You want to burn you legs up, hit the hill out on Rosedale off Mount Vernon Road.

 

 

MVRA TRAIL RUNRunning
Cinch up your laces and hit the road. Just like cycling, running gets in your blood and it doesn’t leave. Sure it hurts at the beginning, but just like all things, once you get used to it, you’ll want more. I take on the country gravel roads where I don’t have to worry so much about the busy traffic or idiots traveling Mach 1. As long as you’re not scared of the cow crap, or other animals in the country, I’d recommend you get out and try it. Who knows, you might like it.

 

0514_hoo_favefivefamilyThe fam
How many of you have families? Those that do know what I’m talking about when I say they are part of my fave five. The fun times outside with my boys, whether it’s playing catch or giving them an underdog on the swing. It’s all part of this thing we call life, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world. I’m a family guy. What can I say.

 

 

0514_hoo_favefivecountryCountry Living
If you’re reading this part last, you probably have me figured out. I’m a guy that loves to be outside, in the country and with the fam. It’s the best combination. Country living isn’t always about the idea of living in the country; rather it’s about neighbors who will help you out no matter what. It’s about the freedom to go outside and race a go-cart around the yard and make all the noise you want. You get my point.