5-3 Band
The Band/Duo 5-3’s Vocalist Walter Powers and Guitarist Chris Bourne have known each other since middle school. 30 plus years of friendship. At Goodrich they became acquainted through mutual friends like kids do. Later in life they formed a closer bond when they had an opportunity to play together in a project called Junkman dating back to 1994/5. The band was formed in the post-industrial town of Akron, Ohio. Junkman was a local hit and this was due to the two of them writing most of the songs for the group if not all. Walt’s lyrics and vocals all day. Most of underlying music is about 90% Chris Bourne’s riffs and arrangements. The new music was well received by old and new fans. Their debut CD “Peace Forgotten” was recorded at The Grooveyard Recording Studio and really helped with getting them up and running. It was the studio’s first project and the CD came out sounding absolutely amazing! Nobody in town could touch the songs or production on the CD. They tracked 2 albums there and other material at other studios. The guys were moving CDs, shirts, hats, and dog tags left and right. From there Junkman had the ability to play with various national acts at the time and gained a huge following. From playing Peabody’s, JBs in Kent, Flash, The Akron Agora, Crossroads, Ramones, Sadie’s, and the list goes on. There was some out-of-state travels of course. They opened for Sevendust, Big Wreck, Coal Chamber, Corey Glover, and more. They actually played with a lot of 80’s Glam Metal acts too even though our music was so different. We played on bills with Warrant, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, LA Guns, Dokken, Gilby Clark, and a ton more. The project disbanded due to life’s struggles of all sorts, but Walter and Chris remained friends. They went on to get together here and there over the years to perform some of their music with a new outlook and sound. There were a couple of shows at The House of Blues CLE and a few smaller venues, but the main thing was they kept writing together over the years.
Walter’s vocal style draws inspiration from various artists like Corey Glover (Living Colour), Chris Cornell (Soundgarden), Michael Jackson, and even Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin). Walter has refined his craft infusing more soul but keeping to his rock edge in his vocals. Chris came from a similar background which totally influenced his guitar playing and style. A lot of Zep!!!!Aerosmith too! This is why Chris and Walt just gel when it comes to writing together. 5-3 has a truly eclectic sound. Their latest album “Reflections” is streaming and on all social media everywhere. It was produced by solo artist formerly of Yankee Bravo Benjamin Payne not only engineered the album but also played drums and bass! Each song is so very different to the next. Their versatility offers something for all. They take the listener on a musical journey with songs to be felt, celebrated, and taken in your own interpretation. That is just one of the beautiful things about music. What does the song make you feel? What do you think the songs truly mean’s or what does it mean to you? Enjoy the ride on our next evolution!
“5-3=Band” consists of members Walter Powers (Vocals/Writer), Chris Bourne (Guitar/Writer), Benjamin Payne (Drums/Producer), Justin Tultz (Guitar), and Mike McMillan (Bass). Special Guests Vocalist Saphire and Ari “Raj” Ghahremani (Fiddle). Acoustic shows are “5-3”. Just Walt and Chris!
Julia Taylor & Matilda Pablo
Julia Taylor & Matilda Pablo blend together raw emotion and beautiful harmonies over their acoustic guitars. They combine genres of indie, jazz, and singer-songwriter. They are both seniors at Kent State University (where they met in 2022) studying Music Technology. These two artists come together for one night at The Rialto Theatre! @juliataylor.live @matildapablomusic
Get to the show early for Dinner and Drinks in The Rialto Living Room - Opening at 5:00pm!
Doors: 7:00pm / Showtime: 8:00pm