Dreams start to come true

Cerulean Blue consists of four juniors from Columbia High School in White Salmon: 16-year olds Keegan Matosich (lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards), Evan Larsell (lead guitar, vocals), and Chad Hinman (drums), and 17-year old Reed Harvey (bass, vocals).

Thirty-five Northwest bands auditioned by CD for 12 available spots to compete at the Music Fest. Other bands selected were Mother May I, 24 Hours, Cheap Shot, Chill Factor; Formal, High Water, Josh Neilson, Shade Red, Something Else, Switch, and Trace.

The Music Fest took place at the Roseland Theater and Grill in Portland. Each band had a 20-minute performance slot and were judged by a panel of music professionals.

Cerulean Blue (meaning sky blue) has been together since spring of 2000, but the members have been friends since middle school. They worked to pay for all their own musical equipment, from recording console to PA system. Keegan and Chad raised funds by bussing tables at the Riverside Grill in Hood River, Reed worked as a houseman at the Best Western Hood River Inn and Evan made money as a gas station attendant at the Hood River Chevron.

The self-taught group features original songs. Their performances take place mainly in the Gorge area, including a recent Battle of the Bands in Stevenson.

They just finished their first recording project, self-entitled Cerulean Blue. The 14-song CD is due to be released within the next two months.

In addition to the Music Fest, other upcoming shows include Spring Fest 2002 at the White Salmon City Park on Friday, May 17 (8:00 p.m., free admission) and at the Granada Theater in The Dalles on May 18.

For more information about Cerulean Blue, you may visit the band's web site at www.cerulean-blue.net