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Courtesy of the Mountaineer Progress

By Michael Palecki

 

Last Friday, Maui Wowi celebrated three years of business in the Phelan Stater Brothers Shopping Center. There was live music, prizes, giveaways, and of course delicious coffee and smoothie drinks. Most of all, owners Michael & Darlene McQuown wanted to thank their customers for being so loyal.

As the prize wheel spun, there was a long line of customers waiting for their chance to win. For most, prizes included puka shell leis, Hawaiian shoulder bags, packages of gourmet coffee, water bottles, and “Surf’s Up” ceramic mugs. While they waited for their chance on the wheel, everyone also filled out tickets for the Grand Prize.  At the end of the day, two lucky winners received free smoothies for one year from Maui Wowi.

Livening up the spirit of the event was the band called “Under Construction”. The band manager and lead singer was Tamara Cox, accompanied by female vocalists Jamie Wendt, Kelsey Pratt, and Brook Kujawa. Musicians included first guitar Jim Hoskie playing an electric Gibson Les Paul, Dan Reyes playing acoustic and electric guitars, Rafael Estrada on electric bass guitar, and Jay Miner on drums.

As the former Serrano High School Choral Director, Tamara Cox has a great voice and has assembled a vocal group that collectively knows where she needs to go, and individually have their own power and nuances. During two musical sets, Under Construction performed a dynamic selection of Top 40’s hit songs.

Songs from Roy Orbison, Aerosmith, Pat Benetar, Edgar Winters, Rare Earth, Queen, Martha & The Vandellas, Aretha Franklin, Journey, and ZZ Top- had the crowd bopping and were  truly more blistering that the bright sunlight.

One of the best moments was Tamara Cox singing “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” while the girls harmonized and Jim Hoskie ricocheted off in a guitar solo to shuddering drumbeat. Another great performance was a portion of Queen’s “We Will Rock You” sandwiched in between Rare Earth’s “I Just Want To Celebrate”.  For this medley of sorts, Brook and Kelsey sang strong vocals through guitar and bass solos.

Another powerhouse song was “Heat Wave” with Tamara and Kelsey cutting a path vocally while Jamie and Brook harmonized. On perhaps one of the best solo vocal deliveries, Brook became ever-so-Aretha belting out the lyrics for “Chain Of Fools”.

Follow this great band as they journey through the High Desert this summer. 




 



 

 






 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hesperia Days

American Music

Festival

Hesperia, Ca.

5:00 - 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Fat Jacks

Apple Valley, Ca.

9:00 - 1:00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boulder Creek

Harvest Festival

Hesperia, Ca.

3:00 - 6:30 p.m.

 

 

The Wine Seller

Apple Valley, Ca. 

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

 

The Wine Seller

Apple Valley, Ca. 

7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
Sept
20
 
 
Sept
27
 
 
Oct
25
 
 
Nov
29
 
Dec
6

TWITTER

 

“Under Construction” is a Top 40’s cover band, who performs a variety of musical styles from the 50's, 60's, 70’s, 80’s and today.  Each musician brings years of experience to this band.  Plus it is lead by some amazing female vocalists.

They have performed at local venues, Hesperia Days, Apple Valley Concert in the Courtyard, Route 103.1 Halloween Hot Rod Fest, Havana Cigar and Wine Club, Center Stage Lounge @ Green Tree Inn, with upcoming events at  Hesperia and Apple Valley Summer Concerts, American Music Festival and more.

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