NEWS

SteppingSTONE band poised to play dream gig

Michael Izzo
@MIzzoDR

The latest in a series of profiles of the finalists in the Morristown's Got Talent competition to be held Feb. 25.

It’s been a busy few years for SteppingSTONE, the Morris County-based band who spent the past two years releasing two albums, adding a new member, and playing gigs, the latest of which will be a one-song set list at the Mayo Performing Arts Center for Morristown’s Got Talent.

The band includes guitarist and keyboardist Brad Marullo, who teaches music in the Morris School District, Eric Schaberg, a Randolph High School teacher of the violin, cello and mandolin, Boonton firefighter Jonathan Presnell on bass and vocals, and songwriter Ryan Schutz who provides vocals and acoustic guitar. Schutz is an energy efficiency auditor.

A new addition to the band last year was drummer Bill Fajvan.

“He’s been a tremendous addition to the band,” Marullo said. “He took us to a different level this past year.”

The band will perform “Get Back Up Again,” off their debut album, “I’ll Be Coming Home.” The band released its second album, “By the River,” in November.

The song is about Schutz being laid off a few years ago and having to drive home and tell his wife.

He stops at a local pub during his journey home and while he is hoping to be further along in life and not on the unemployment line, he realizes everything will be ok,” Marullo said. “It’s basically a message that even though things were rough, you ‘Get back up Again.’”

Marullo performed in Morristown’s Got Talent five years ago as a solo act, prior to the formation of SteppingSTONE, but this is the first time the band will take to the Mayo stage. He said the band decided to audition this year because of the split categories.

“We didn’t want to be competing against kids, some of whom are my students,” Marullo said, adding that five of his students are finalists in the competition.

Since their first album debuted in spring 2013, SteppingSTONE has played some historic venues including Rockwood Music Hall and Café Wha? but the Mayo stage has always been a goal for the band.

“This isn’t about winning, I’m really happy just to play the Mayo Center,” Marullo said. “It was always a dream of our band to be an opening act there, so it’s great to finally get on stage. And as a teacher in the district, it’s great that I’m helping support the Morris Educational Foundation at the same time.”

“Get Back Up Again” can be heard at https://m.soundcloud.com/steppingstoneband/get-back-up-again, and both SteppingSTONE albums are available on iTunes.

Morristown's Got Talent

What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 25

Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown

Tickets: On sale Monday, Feb. 2, at the Mayo center. Tickets can also be purchased by calling 973-539-8008 or online at www.mayoarts.org.