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http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=37856.89

Out for 'Publicity'
Band performs during MCHS lunch periods

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - Is it live music or a publicity stunt?

During Friday's lunch periods at Michigan City High School, students had both: live music by homegrown band Publicity Stunt.

Some might call it a garage band, but really, drummer Mike Paniccia said, "We rehearse in my basement."

Yes, the rare basement band genre.

Adam Lingenfelter, the vocalist who also plays lead guitar (also known as the "front man") and Mike have been making music together for about four years. Bass player Cory Allgood joined them a few weeks ago.

"We're lucky to have Cory," Adam said, adding, "He catches onto everything so quickly."

Mike agrees. "He's quick."

The three rehearse together about once a week, Mike said. Individually, the guys practice daily, writing music and practicing for their spring and summer tour, which will take the guys to Marquette High School (Battle of the Bands), South Bend, Goshen and Nineveh, Ind., with more venues to be announced.

Adam regularly performs at the Galveston Steakhouse patio on Sunday nights when weather permits.

"We can't play indoors because entertainment is in the bar at Galveston," Adam said.

Students filled a bench in front of the performance area in the cafeteria, which was protected by yellow construction tape.

Student Tyrone George danced in his seat as the band sound filled the lunch room. Some students wanted the sound to be even louder.

Ninth-grader Larry Sheets offered, "They need more lead guitar."

Eleventh-grader Gabrielle Lewis said, "It's nice (to have music at lunch). I like bands."

Associate Principal Lydia Jagger is glad to hear such reports. She helped to organize the lunch live concerts. She knew about Publicity Stunt because Adam came to her last year to ask whether MCHS would be having a talent show. It wasn't, but this year Jagger remembered Adam and his band. More bands will perform after spring break.

To put the kids in the mood for music, Assistant Principal Rick Ankney brought his "Rock Band" video game for kids to play on the huge projection TV in the lunch room, and that was a huge hit.

Next year, Principal Mark Francesconi said, the administration aims to get the student council to plan for and arrange lunch time entertainment.

Entertainment in the lunchroom began a couple of years ago when food service manager Kathy Kane brought in an Elvis impersonator, a gospel group, the Soul Steppers, even an opportunity to put the principal in a crepe-paper jail.

Publicity Stunt plays mostly music from the 1970s and 1980s, including some Beatles and original pieces. One of the originals is called "Nights of Rebellion."

Although the band has a name, Adam thought, "If, for some reason 'Publicity Stunt' doesn't work out, Mike and I thought we could call ourselves 'Knights of Rebellion,' with the K."

Several students in the audience said they wanted a bigger sound.

Perhaps they should have a conversation with the band's sound manager, Bradley Hutchinson, who also takes charge of sound for most athletic events at the high school. He already has a job working in what he hopes his future career will be: information technology.

Adam, a junior, hopes to get a degree in live performance at Valparaiso University, while Mike, also a junior, will study archaeology, perhaps at Brown University, and Cory, another junior, plans to pursue a business and marketing major.

"I hope I can work for a record company," he said.

The band this summer plans to make a recording at Alley Recording Studio in Valparaiso.

Who knows? The record, likely to be called "The Cracks of Insanity," could soar and the guys may be forced to delay the college experience.

This post has been edited by Dave: Apr 6 2009, 02:24 PM