Gainsboro moves from Morristown bar scene to ‘Onstage’
This is the sixth in a series of profiles highlighting the finalists of Morristown Onstage, to be held Feb. 24 at the Mayo Performing Arts Center.
A Morristown’s Got Talent legacy is one half of an acoustic duo that will take the stage for Morristown Onstage.
Dave Dones and Pete Lepore of the band Gainsboro play acoustic covers and write their own alternative rock music, regularly performing in the Morristown bar scene. Their chosen song will be one of the more popular covers they perform playing in Morristown’s bars and restaurants.
Dones, 25, of Morristown, said music has been part of his life since early elementary school, though he began to take his craft more seriously when he turned 20. Lepore, 27, of Nutley, begin playing music in high school and never stopped.
Dones said he’s looking forward to playing in Morristown, where he enjoys the closeness of the community.
“For a bigger town, people like to get to know each other,” Dones said, “And make an effort to show a sense of community.”
Dones is also looking forward to being the third member in his family to participate in the show after his brother and father performed in Morristown’s Got Talent, which was the predecessor to Morristown Onstage.
Leading up to the competition, the pair are in Anaheim, Calif. attending the National Association of Music Merchants Convention.
“We hope to connect with other younger and experienced musicians in the business and build a bigger network,” Lepore said. “We will also be practicing and gigging out whenever we have the chance.”
If they win, the money is going right back into the band, funding gear, records, and videos.
“We think we have what it takes to be as good as the best in this competition,” Dones said, “And would love the opportunity to be recognized by the town as a local talent.”
Gainsboro is currently working on new material and plans to continue to play locally at locations including the Sushi Lounge and Hops Craft Bar in Morristown.
To learn more about the band, go to their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gainsboroband or their website, www.gainsboromusic.com. Gainsboro can also be booked for parties, weddings, or other events and can be contacted at gainsboromusic@gmail.com.
Staff Writer Michael Izzo: 973-428-6636;mizzo@GannettNJ.com
Morristown Onstage
What: A show featuring the best amateur talent from Morristown, Morris Township and Morris Plains, presented by and benefiting the Morris Educational Foundation.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 24
Where: Mayo Performing Arts Center, 100 South St. in Morristown.