Local group goes from Hinckley to the Rock Hall in Tri-C battle of the bands

An "Emphatic Yes" for local band Detention. That's what the judges at the 24th annual Tri-C High School Rock Off "Final Exam" held Saturday night at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame had to say about Hinckley Middle School eighth-grader Luke Konopka and his Detention bandmates as the quartet was named winner of the popular battle-of-the-bands affair. "I was honestly pretty shocked," said drummer Konopka, 13. "There were a lot of really amazing bands there that night." Formed roughly three years ago, the rock outfit — Konopka, Fritz Dannemiller (bass), Elliott Carter (vocals) and Evan Cox (guitar) — performed original tunes "Emphatic Yes" and "Dead Malls," as well as covers of Tom Petty's "I Need to Know" and Devo's "Uncontrollable Urge." Compared to Detention's semifinal round earlier in February, Konopka said its "Final Exam" set was superior. "The crowd was really into it this time," Konopka said. "I think the entire front row was jumping up and down the entire time." Others apparently really into Detention's set included the Rock Off judges. Live Nation Cleveland Senior Vice President Barry Gabel, who didn't judge the event, said all of the bands performing at this year's High School Rock Off were incredibly talented. "I felt Detention's 15 minutes set them apart," Gabel said. "And apparently, so did the judges. The band was tight, fun, exciting and had the audience going crazy. They're deserving champions for the best band in 'The Land.'" Added Konopka's dad, Mark, "There were really some talented bands, but Detention went out there and killed it. I'm super proud of the whole band. They did a great job." Unlike the majority of Rock Off bands, Detention, which is influenced by Billie Eilish, Chris Cornell, Dave Grohl, Green Day and Ani DiFranco, has been playing gigs for a few years. This includes a performance last year at one of rock 'n' roll's most notable and notorious clubs, the Whiskey a Go Go in West Hollywood, Calif. Konopka said the group's experience helped it win the Rock Off, which includes quite the prize package —$1,000 cash and $250 for their high school music program. Perhaps the money should go to cover the group's travel costs. After opening for Ray Goren March 13 at The Rialto Theatre in Akron, the group is taking a trip to Austin, Texas for a March 19 gig at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival. "We haven't talked about the money yet, but I'm guessing we'll probably use it for travel expenses and maybe to buy some new gear," Konopka said. As far as the other high-profile part of the prize package — which includes the opportunity to perform at a format-appropriate Live Nation or House of Blues Cleveland concert as an opening act — Konopka said they have a group in mind. "We're going to be in touch with them about The Black Keys (performing at Blossom Music Center this summer)," Konopka said. "But as of right now, nothing is happening with that." While Detention has a busy 2020 planned, including the release of a full-length studio album, the band members are still eligible for an appearance at next year's High School Rock off. When asked if that's the plan, Konopka said, "I hope so." Contact John Benson at ndiffrence@att.net.