▶
PLAY
( )
stage presence // SELLOUT
local musicians, feel free to swoon.
Whether they're singing '70s disco, '80s pop or classic rock, Sellout's cheesy, party-ready renditions of hits have it covered.
In 2001, the concept for the band emerged when members Nick Kounas and Steve Ozark were fishing on a boat. Ozark says Sellout is lucky because sometimes cover songs can be more popular than original music. Rather than struggling to book gigs and play empty venues, Ozark suggested to Kounas that they perform songs people already know and love. Their song list includes popular hits from a wide range of eras, from Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" to Kiss' "Rock and Roll All Night."
Oark says they decided to sellout completely and perform the most over-the-top smash hits thus, the name and concept.
Members say Sellout's history is interesting because they have performed with nine different singers and seven drummers, four horn players, five guitarists and two keyboardists. Ozark says this change in the line-up is more of a natural progression and they don't want to put pressure on the band. Kounas says people will respond to a song they love, no matter who is on stage performing it.
Each member gets to bring out his or her inner rock star by adopting an on-stage persona. Ozark
is known as Kiss star Gene Simmons. Other alter egos include Martlyn Monroe, Rick James and Wonder Woman.
Ozark says Sellout has gained a loyal fanbase in the Lawrence area. He says it's like a big homecoming for them every time they play in front of a Lawrence crowd.
Sellout will be playing at 10 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday at the Jazzhaus, 926 Massachusetts St.
// ANNA KATHAGNARATH
Contributed photo
Mock rockers. Sellout members starting clockwise from the top. Steve Ozark, Nick Kounas, Jenny Leanne Smith, Dash Williamson, Danny Loental, Nate Holt and Stephane Anne Kacisr.
random people. random answers.
out & about //
What is your favorite Lawrence restaurant?
Stephen Woodenring
Lisle, Ill., senior
"Rudy's Pizza — It's my favorite spot, largely because I've been going since my freshman year."
Ayo Amadi
Parsons junior
"Zen Zero — I had never had Thai food before I want there and it turns out it's really good. I like the calamari."
Jacob Moffit
Wichita junior
"Burrito King — It's cheap, it's good and I've been going there since I was 15 or 16.It's a Lawrencian tradition."
Shawnee freshman
Laura Weaver
"I'm a big believer in Wheatfield's. I go every week for breakfast after my radio show."
Ben Goodrich
Dallas freshman
"Can't go wrong with Chipotle."
// ALEX GARRISON
01
21
10
14