Shades of June began its member selection process, really, in the fall of 2002;
forming from the ashes of a Johnstown-based group named Shadow 5 (consisting of
Krinjeck and several of his close friends). Recruiting Chris McConnell from Altoona,
PA (ex bassist from Edison, drummer from Fuse and Carbon14), as it turns out, seemed
to work in the now newly-formed bands favor, as things began to take a new shape
and evolve into something that was damn-near unfamiliar to Shadow 5. To put it in
more simplistic terms: They were starting to rock.
After changing the bands name to Shades of June and also losing two more members
of the band to lifes difficulties and changing paths; a young, impulsive, and possibly
not altogether sane bassist was found in the form of Chris Myer from Pittsburgh,
PA. Bringing more energy, hilarity, and alcohol into the mix, Chris has been a welcome
and needed change to the team.
Jess debuted at the UPJ Homecoming 2005 Festivities on October 1, 2005 to a crowd
of approximately 800 people and from that point on it was only looking forward for
SOJ. For over 2 years Jess provided the energy and stage show that the band had
been searching. On December 29, 2007, Jess performed her last show as a member of
SOJ as she moves along to further her career. She will be missed as a part of the
band - but life must go on, so the next version of SOJ started to evolve.
In late January 2008, the addition of Alex Davis was official. Adding to the overall
sound of the group and allowing for more stage presence to be exhibited, Alex immediately
started to fit in. With the ability to add backing vocals and also share leads on
guitar, he proves to be a vital part of the band in the future.
After almost 7 years of performing with SOJ, on August 9, 2008, drummer Chris McConnell
said farewell to Shades of June. Chris and family are relocating to Ohio where he
plans on continuing his musical career. Be sure to see some roadtrips to OH for
SOJ.
With a few "warm-up" shows behind him, August 30 will be the official debut of new
drummer, Jesse August. A native of Pittsburgh, Jesse joined the band and started
rehearsals in June 2008, working behind the scenes to prepare for Chris's departure.
Jesse brings a tremendous sense of professionalism to the band and we look forward
to great things to come!!!
Shades of June has never been this motivated and determined before, and this promises
to be a sign of great things to come.
So come out and watch/drink with/party with/dance with/ us to our originals and
tunes from Zeppelin, Green Day, Weezer, Fallout Boy, Jimi Hendrix and many more...
and as always- beer and cigarette donations are always encouraged for optimal performance.
See you at the shows.