Synergy featurs Marion connection
Synergy, a Wichita rock band, is providing the music May 31 to open Chingawassa Days.
They will take the stage at 9 p.m. May 31.
"Synergy" was chosen as the name because the band, while new, is made up of experienced performers.
"We took the best of several bands and formed something better," said Larry McKellips, manager. His parents, Homer and Jean McKellips, live at Marion County Lake.
Miranda McKellips, their granddaughter, is one of the vocalists in Synergy.
Other band members include Danelle Phillips, vocals; Billy Soto, guitar and vocals; Chuck Withers, keyboards and vocals; Billy Fulcher, drums; and Don Leavell, lead guitar and vocals.
Though the band writes original material, they have gained acclaim for their technical skill at recreating a variety of songs, from classic rock to the latest pop hits. McKellips jokes that his daughter and Phillips draw in a crowd with their beauty, but hold them with their voices.
"We've seen people do double takes, because what they hear is just like it is on the record," McKellips said.
Leavell is a Wichita legend, having performed for 20 years with longtime band Lotus. Larry McKellips asked him to join Synergy both for his guitar work and for his experience in nurturing young talent.
"Don worked with Martina McBride when she was growing up in Kansas," he said. "He can teach these little things that you never notice, but that make the music so much better."
It seems to be paying off. Both Phillips and Miranda McKellips spent time with Virgin Record executives searching for new talent and skilled backup singers. Both women met with rocker Lenny Kravitz during their trip, their manager said.
With so many strong vocalists, band members share mike duties. It's common for the band to go from a Muddy Waters cover to a Fleetwood Mac song to something by Pink.
"Because of the depth of the voices, we can do a wide variety of music, including girl rockers like Pat Benatar and Stevie Nicks, that you never hear live," McKellips said. "You see a real contrast among the songs, and that keeps the crowd energized."
Synergy was formed to serve as a house band for The Inferno, a club in Old Town. That contract ended in April. Though the band remains an Inferno attraction, they also have increased appearances at other venues.
"We've had a lot of offers coming in, and we're looking at recording," McKellips said. "We have talented people, and anyone who comes to the show will see how much fun they have."
Synergy's appearance is sponsored by SBC Southwestern Bell. Other activities May 31 include the Marion National Bank barbecue, St. Luke Hospital ice cream social, and the Chingawassa karaoke contest. Vendors will have games and other activities available.
Admission to Chingawassa Days, including the barbecue, ice cream social, karaoke concert, and Synergy is free with purchase of a button. Children 10 and younger are admitted free.
