Up-and-coming band to play show in Cape Girardeau

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - The local music scene in Cape Girardeau is alive and well, with groups from the Heartland and even around the country stopping by to play.

A major restriction on who can play, however, is age. Many of the venues hosting these live performances are bars, cutting off opportunities for groups like Negative Whiplash.

Band members Eli Perr, Evan Schuessler, Jesse Schupp, and Wes Kiehne are all under 21 years old.

“Most of the places around here, you gotta be 21 to get in, and then we can’t play at those places,” Perr said.

That’s why a unique show is happening on Saturday, March 23. People of all ages can come out to Spectrum Record Lounge in downtown Cape Girardeau to see Negative Whiplash. Those younger than 18 can enter with a parent or legal guardian.

The opportunity comes with the help of Red Claw Promotions, a local group working to bring more live music to the area, specifically rock music.

Co-founder Josh Tomlin said organizing a show for a wider audience is just one of their goals.

“This particular show is all-ages, something that is hard to come by in Cape, and is something friends their age can finally see them perform at,” said Tomlin.

The boys of Negative Whiplash said Tomlin is something of a father figure to them, mentoring them and encouraging them to play live and write more music.

Schuessler, the band’s drummer, said Saturday’s show is special.

“It’s like a dream come true for all of us. We just enjoy playing with people and for people,” said Schuessler.

Performing for a younger audience is a big deal, something singer and guitarist Perr acknowledged.

“We’re happy that we’re able to take on the responsibility and the role to bring the music to the people that are younger,” said Perr.

One song the band will play, “Glimpse,” is an original track. It’s available to stream on multiple music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Band Camp. To date, it’s been streamed more than 1000 times on Spotify.

Perr said the song, which he wrote while dog-sitting for his aunt, is inspired by his girlfriend and the feeling of falling in love.

The band also has a presence on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Perr said he’s started to get recognized in public from videos on social media.

It’s a lot of progress for a group that started after meeting in high school, but the boys take it all in stride.

“It’s just fun making music with my friends,” said Schupp, singer and guitarist.

“I like creating new things,” said bass player Kiehne. “Music is a way for me to do that.”

Saturday’s show at Spectrum Record Lounge begins at 8 p.m. Negative Whiplash and group King Pink! are set to take the stage. The cost is $5 at the door, and all ages are welcome.