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KELCEY NORRIS: Why I love Youngstown’s indie rock bands

By Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

November 9, 2023 4:11 PM

Harrison Rhinehart plays guitar and sings lead vocals, with Grant Shultz on guitar and trumpet. Ben Rhinehart is on bass guitar, and Justin Barnett plays drums for Sedona. Kelcey Norris Mahoning Matters

One of the best and most unique things about spending time in Youngstown is the music.

There’s such a rich community of talented musicians, singers, and songwriters right downtown.

Sedona

One of my favorite local bands to see perform live is Sedona, an indie-rock group comprised of four Youngstown-based musicians. Their music transports you to a beach or the back of your best friend’s car going for a drive.

I don’t know how they’re not famous; Harrison Rhinehart plays guitar and sings lead vocals, with Grant Shultz on guitar and trumpet.

Ben Rhinehart is on bass guitar, and Justin Barnett plays drums for Sedona and another great indie rock group called The Gonerz. Sometimes local musician Lance Batton will fill in on bass and drums for Sedona.

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The band released an EP this month called Slappers Only and I had the privilege of attending their celebratory release show last week at Penguin City Brewing Company.

Some of their best songs I like to sing along to include Yat Club, Graffiti Girl and Pennsylvania Ave.

During the show, even if you’ve never heard the band before, they’ll teach you one of their songs.

It’s called Where Do I Start and it’s super easy to learn, especially for fans of Lady Gaga’s Bad Romance.

Their musical ability is one thing, but what’s most inspiring for me is their kindness. These four guys exude gratitude toward their group of loyal fans and friends supporting them.

During their EP show, they singled out a fan and thanked him for celebrating his birthday with Sedona. They’re known for ending the night by walking into the crowd to thank everyone for singing and dancing along.

After the show, I got a mangled drumstick from Barnett to keep as a souvenir.

To celebrate their new music, Sedona is hitting the road for a tour.