The members of The Grind, a local high school rock band, were obviously nervous as they took the Main Street Stage at the 39th Annual Wood Festival Friday night. Drummer Derek Roberts said the group had been up all night, practicing fourteen sets performed for the crowd, which had been "tuned" by a well-paced country and gospel group "The Country Mountaineers."

"We really love playing the music," said a band member, "Most of the time it has been for ourselves and friends," said a another member, as they toted their instruments and equipment to the stage.

Vocalist and guitarist announced to the spectators "We're just a high school band whose gonna give it our best version," after which vocalist Morgan Graham began to belt the tunes.

They did, with all the energy of great rock 'n roll bands, deliver a fine performance. One could not help remembering some of the outstanding local rockers like "Big Money" and its various incantations over the years, most of which have played a tune on the Wood Festival stage.

The Grind: Derek Roberts, drums; Chad McDonald, bass guitar; Jake Walker, guitar; Randall Richards, guitar/vocals and Morgan Grahame, vocals.

The Grind - L to R (front) Derek Roberts and Jake Walker
L to R (rear0 Chad McDonald, Randall Richards and Morgan Grahame

Derek Roberts (L) and band members "tune-up"

Grahame delivers her first song

Music kicks-off Center Stage

Rockers please the crowd

Roberts is "Drummer Man"