Freehold Teens Compete in Skate and Surf Music Performance

Five New Jersey teens will be showcasing their musical talent as they compete for an opportunity to perform at the 2013 Skate and Surf Festival.

On April 7, First to Friday will take the stage at Encore Event Center for the Regional Finals of the BREAK contest. At stake is a performance slot during the Skate and Surf Festival, a two-day concert that is returning from an eight-year hiatus.

First to Friday, formally known as Reality Check, features a new sound and songs to go with their new name. Last year, the group competed in the BREAK contest and won a performance slot for Bamboozle; they were only 14-years-old.

“When we competed for a Bamboozle spot last year we had only performed five or six shows together,” explained First to Friday vocalist Dana Hembling. “We have grown so much since last year’s competition and we hope that we can get through again this year and play at Skate and Surf.” 

Hembling, a junior at Freehold High School, makes up First to Friday with Mike Cappelluti, keyboards, sophomore at Colts Neck High School, Tom Heider, bass, sophomore at Freehold High School, Billy Nally, drums, sophomore at Lacey Township High School and Ryan Schulte, guitar, sophomore at Colts Neck High School.

On April 7 the band will be perform four original songs and one cover to prove that they have what it takes to make it to play at Skate and Surf.

“We have been practicing non-stop to get ready for this round of the contest,” explained Cappelluti. “It is always an adrenaline rush when we perform and it feels like we have only been up there a few seconds, when really its been a half-hour.” 

One of the songs First to Friday will perform is ‘Now its Gone’ which can be heard in this article’s video. Stay up-to-date with the latest news surrounding First to Friday on their website and Facebook page.