CCA Sophomore at The House of Blues

Photo: Scott Varley WWW.SCOTTVARLEYPHOTO.COM

Stray Children featuring Brandon Browning, 16, a Canyon Crest Academy Sophomore and Music Conservatory Student, has been booked to play at The House of Blues San Diego Saturday night, November 12th.

Two years ago, 14 year old Brandon Browning, Max Varley and Jacob Banks were looking for something to do on a boring afternoon. Maxx, who had no previous musical experience, mentioned he would like to try playing bass guitar, and Brandon and Jacob who had been playing music and writing songs together since 6^th grade, decided to oblige. Max being a big fan of the bass sounds of the band NOFX, mastered the instrument within 30 minutes.  That afternoon Stray Children was formed.

Varley and Banks attend San Marcos High School,  and Browning attends Canyon Crest Academy, which is one of the top schools in the community of Carmel Valley San Diego.  Along with his parents, Browning decided that the Canyon Crest Academy ENVISION Conservatory program – which offers advanced training to students who must audition to be accepted – would be worth the drive from La Costa. Browning is a serious musician who has been studying the drums for six years, and in addition to being a huge part of the CCA Music Conservatory Program, Browning has studied under Damon De LaPaz (part time drummer for BLINK 182).

They describe their musical sound as old school vintage punk.  Their name Stray Children comes from a combination of two bands (Sweet Children and Stray Cats), both of which have influenced them.  Although they play almost all original songs, they do play some covers from bands such as Green Day, Operation Ivy and Rancid.

The group is typically booked in clubs catering to the teen/under 21 age group, such as the Epicentre in Mira Mesa, Electric Ladyland in Ocean Beach and Chain Reaction in Anaheim.  Recently, the group had an encouraging visit with the legendary Tim Armstrong (lead for Rancid) at a recent concert.  This meeting opened the door for the group to to play at internationally recognized chain-of-music venues such as the House of Blues.

“He asked for our demos and we also talked with Brandon, the drummer for Rancid.” said Browning.

A few weeks later Browning received the text from BreakThru Entertainment inviting them to the House of Blues showcase.

When asked if they hope that the House of Blues exposure leads to a recording deal, the charismatic Browning says, “Nah, we just want to get some more exposure and more fans”.

At present they are content to practice in Browning’s soundproof garage and are looking forward to someday soon when they get their driver’s licenses.

The HOUSE OF BLUES show is being presented by BreakThru Entertainment and will also include bands The Warned, The Cricks, The Voice Within and Curt Owen. Tickets for the Saturday night show on November 12th, are $10 and can be purchased directly from Brandon Browning by calling (760) 473‐0592 or email straychildren.info@gmail.com or ticketmaster.com. For a limited time, those that purchase tickets directly from Browning for the House of Blues show will also receive a FREE ticket to another show featuring STRAY CHILDREN to be held the following  weekend at Electric Ladyland. And please check out their fan page at https://www.facebook.com/straychildren

Martie Meyer is the founder and director of 858Teen Carmel Valley Chapter.  She and a group of local Carmel Valley San Diego parents, are spearheading our mentoring program for our young editors. Martie is a Carmel Valley resident, mother to a wonderful family, former Art Director for a National Magazine, and a former radio personality. Additionally, she has published and designed several books. In the past, she mentored teens with the San Diego Children’s Coalition and is now bringing her expertise and experience to The Carmel Valley Life. Martie and her team are responsible for being accessible to the teens should they need any help fulfilling their duties as “858Teen Editors.”