Local youth to provide music at FourthFest

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Jaci Butler and Those Guys will be providing entertainment at Royse City’s FourthFest celebration at the old Bulldog stadium. From left to right are; Jaci Butler, Jason Savage, Trevor Quiett, Matt Venhaus, and (at bottom) Chad Ragsdale. The group, consisting of young musicians from Royse City and the surrounding area, has already been performing together on a steady basis. Courtesy photo

July 2, 2009

Anonymous The Zope Gazette Thu Jul 02, 2009, 02:46 AM CDT

By Ryann Chappell

Herald-Banner Staff

Royse City is in for a homegrown treat on July 4 after the big parade.

Jaci Butler and “Those Guys” will be performing at the old Bulldog Stadium (State Highway 66 and Farm-to-Market 1777), one of many performances for this band of young people.

This group’s talent was proven when the band got first place at the “For Those About to Rock School” Battle of the Bands on June 9, the prize being five hours of recording time.

They also opened at the House of Blues in Dallas a couple of weeks ago after a gig in Oklahoma.

Matt Venhaus of Royse City, lead guitar, and Jaci Butler of Rowlett, lead vocals, write the majority of the songs. Their music is influenced by Bon Jovi, Kelly Clarkson, and The Beatles, among others.

Venhaus, who will be a junior in the fall in home school, bragged on his band members.

“We have really good music chemistry,” he said. “Everyone is really passionate about what they do and it really brings a lot to the music.”

Butler, who is going into the eighth grade at Coyle Middle School in Rowlett, loves being a part of the band.

“There’s nothing more exciting and thrilling to me than being on stage,” she said. “Being able to perform and share this experience with the guys makes it even more amazing.”

Her dream includes the band being signed by a record producer.

Chad Ragsdale, who plays the rhythm guitar and will also be a junior in home school, said, “I would like us to have one full album out within this year.”

His favorite gig so far was playing at the House of Blues.

Jason Savage, bass player, just joined the band three weeks ago. He believes that the band members really work well together. He will be a junior at Royse City High School in the fall.

The other band member is drummer Trevor Quiett. Butler has said that he has a spectacular personality on stage.

“Everyone is approachable,” said Ragsdale about his fellow band members, “which helps when people want autographs.”

Venhaus recalled a particular highlight, “It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment thing, but I was surprised when we played at The Harbor in Rockwall at how many people actually stopped and listened. There was probably a couple of hundred sitting on the lawn and many more lining the sidewalks and restaurants. So that was a really cool experience.”

Butler summed it up for the all of the band members when she said, “All of us are so passionate about our music.”

The band will also be performing in Rockwall on July 3, Aug 6, and Sept 25.

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