Lunsford brings band for Youth Center show

If fun, happy, sing-a-long songs are what you desire, look no further – Sly’s Alter Ego will fill that void. The band’s ability to craft amazing stick-in-your-head songs, rivaled only by their infectious live show, is beyond belief. Kyle Simmons, bass/vocals, Jeff White, guitar/bgv, and Steve Lunsford, drums, won’t leave you in a lurch when you fiend for phenomenal power/punk/pop. Fortunately, they deliver on this promise every time.

Sly’s Alter Ego is scheduled to perform Sept. 10 at First Baptist Church’s Youth Center on Spring Street, where Lunsford had previously played drums in the youth band. The music begins at 6:45 p.m.

Lunsford, son of McMinnville residents Steve and Jo Lunsford, is a graduate of Warren County High School and was listed as Most Talented among the 2003 Senior Superlatives. He says he is looking forward to the band performing for his family and friends in McMinnville.

“I’m excited to bring to my hometown my new passion, Sly’s Alter Ego,” Lunsford said. “You’ll all get to see why I love this band so much.”

Their appearance locally was arranged by Jon Kent, FBC youth minister.

“Steve is so talented,” Kent commented. “I know he’s searched for God’s direction in his life and I’m really proud of him.”

The roots of Sly’s Alter Ego were planted over four years ago in Bethany, Okla., a suburban area of metropolitan Oklahoma City. Comprised of five high school buddies, the band was eventually whittled down to Kyle, Jeff and their original drummer.

Knowing they were going to need a name to represent such a diverse group, the guys picked up a thoroughbred magazine one day and started reading through the names of race horses. They came across a noble steed named Alter Ego and a beautiful mare named Sly’s Top Doddy. After a short period of breeding, the name Sly’s Alter Ego was born.

SAE honed their infectious brand of pop influenced punk ditties over the next few years. In late 2002, Sly’s Alter Ego headed into the studio to track a new EP of four songs that they were confident would gain the attention of someone. The S.A.E.P. was produced by Chris Freels, a producer of note in the Oklahoma City area, at his West Second Recording Studios. Slaving for months over the four songs, the band emerged from the studio with what they felt would take them to new heights.

After the original drummer left the band to focus on school, the guys were in need of a permanent drummer and decided to search for prospective musicians in the Nashville area. Lunsford auditioned for the band the day before they moved back home.

This new incarnation of Sly’s Alter Ego is sure to leave you dropped jawed and hurting for more.

Listen and be amazed.