This Saturday the Casbah will showcase a performance from a new Johnson City-based band, called The Truce.
The Truce has been together for about two months and the members are excited about the first show. “We can’t wait to see how people will respond to our first gig,” said lead guitarist David Shirley said. “It has been a while since any of us have played in a band, so it feels good to get back to playing a live performance. It’s in our blood.”
The Truce has a diverse mixture of sound that that includes aspects of metal, funk and pop. “We want to develop a diverse fan base,” said bass player Nathan Jones. “We want our fan base to not only consist of people who are fans of heavy music but other aspects also.”
Vocalist Adam Leonard, 27, is a native of Blountville. “My personal goal in life is to make noise,” Leonard said.
Some of his influences are 311 and plenty of rap influence. One of his personal goals is to achieve world domination. Leonard is a self-taught musician who has performed with Vitamin X and Right of Passage.
Lead guitarist David Shirley, 27, is a self-taught musician from Carter County. “I want to reach out to people with my music,” he said.
He would also like to achieve world domination. Some of his influences are Journey, Motley Crue, The Police and Sevendust. Shirley has been involved with local bands such as Blind Sight, Jerk and Pace.
Rhythm guitarist Gene Babb, 28, is from Johnson City. He is a self-taught musician whose influences are Alda Nova and The Haunted. His personal goal in life is to be 7 feet tall.
Bass player Nathan Jones, 26, is from Blountville and an ETSU alumnus. His influences are Faith No More, Primus, Morbid Angel, Slayer, Skid Row and anything Mike Patton. Jones personal goal is to start a cult worshipping used tires and of course, world domination.
Jones started playing the mandolin when he was 7. He then moved over to the bass guitar when he was 10. His dad taught him to play a little bit and then he went on to teach himself everything he knows today.
He said he has performed with Right Of Passage, Rob Russell and the Sore Losers, Stitch AD 8 and also play with local church bands to have fun and make extra money.
Drummer Jason Winter, 23, is from Tampa, Fla. “My influences are 311, The Transplants, Rancid and any s—-y punk band,” he said.
Winter played in the marching band in high school. He has performed with Evixtion and 66 Lab Rats. Winter’s personal goal is to play for a living.
“I want to make music for a living whether it is for $100 or thousands of dollars.” Winter said.
The doors will open around 9:30 p.m. The Casbah will also feature bands Pilot and Gretchen/unplugged.
This show is for ages 18 and up. The price of admission will be $5 for 21 years and up and $8 for less than 21.
The Casbah is located behind The Italian Pizza Pub at 807 W. Walnut St.

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