PHILIPSBURG – Their dads are no strangers to the local music scene, having played with bands throughout the years. But Sunday proved to be the next generation’s turn.
Philipsburg Heritage Days provided a venue for three young men to follow in their fathers’ footsteps together.
Young Guns emerged victorious Sunday at the finals for the talent show.
The trio, comprised of Cole Navasky, 10, of Philipsburg, Zach Wood, 9, of Clearfield and Ethan Clark, 9, of Grampian, performed “Takin’ Care of Business,” made famous by Bachman-Turner Overdrive.
Cole’s dad, Chuck Navasky, and Zach’s dad, Dennis Wood, also handled the vocals for the young men.
Navasky has been a prominent face as part of local musical groups for many years and is more recently known for his work with One Less Tear. Navasky also has connections with big names in the industry, many of whom took part in the One Less Tear Project. Wood is the front man for Serious Jones, and both Cole and Zach played with the group during Clearfield’s Riverfront Festival.
Ethan’s dad’s most recent project has him performing with Rough Cut.
The boys will get what is sure to be their first of many “big breaks” July 28 as they will be on the same stage as .38 Special in Reading. Young Guns will do the night’s sound check, a test of the stage gear and other equipment to ensure that everything is in working order.
Before then, Ethan is hoping to get a bit more practice as he just started playing bass three weeks ago. He also plays piano, guitar and drums.
Cole said he thought the show, at Philipsburg’s Rowland Theatre, was great because he was getting a chance to play in his home town. Zach agreed and said, “I’ve never played at the Rowland.”
The talent show actually began on Friday with 13 acts. The best five were invited back to perform Sunday.
Organizers are hopeful that the talent show will return for next year’s Heritage Days celebration. Theme ideas are now being accepted for next year’s event, the 10th Heritage Days. Submissions can be directed to the Philipsburg Borough office.