Four shows after joining regional rock band Fools & Horses, Steve Herrera stood onstage with his bandmates as the opening act for Bon Jovi at the Verizon Center, then known as the MCI Center, in D.C.
What?s especially compelling about that vignette is that Herrera joined the band in 2006 almost by chance after reading a call for musicians tacked to a bulletin board in Baltimore. A band name was not listed.
“I had seen their shows and heard them and thought, ?This is the band I need to be in,? ” said Herrera, a guitarist for the band. “They had great songs, just really solid and tight, good rock songs.”
Herrera?s assessment isn?t isolated. Critics and promoters from throughout the region have sung the band?s praises. Starbucks Entertainment Partner Music Co. chose the band?s song “The Therapy” for inclusion on a CD released this month.
“They consistently bring out enthusiastic fans,” Baltimore promoter Tim Walther said. “[They] will potentially be the next band to break out of Baltimore.”
Not that the process is easy. For now, Herrera and his bandmates constantly play gigs throughout the region, building their fan base and creating more of a buzz. Shows often are a mix of cover songs by Tom Petty, the Cars and others, mixed with originals.
Herrera said musically adapting to different styles is a natural process for him.
Perhaps that?s not surprising when you consider that Herrera caught the music bug as a child, watching television and emulating a wide range of performers. His mother and father both enjoyed music and filled the home with the sounds of The Beatles and other classic rock bands.
“It?s something I?ve always been drawn to,” he said. “Sometimes I wake up with a song in my head.”
For now, though, Herrera and his bandmates want to influence fans to wake up with Fools & Horses songs in their heads.
“We want to take it to the next level,” he said. “We are gearing up for a new label and will eventuallyrecord a new record. We want to just get out there and get the music heard.”
IF YOU GO
Fools & Horses
» Venue: 113 Main St., Annapolis
» Time: 9:30 p.m. Saturday
» Tickets: $5 at the door
