The Waymires want to bring a higher appreciation for rock music

Photo Provided

Following a Facebook competition sponsored by the Campus Activities Council, local band The Waymires won the chance to compete and perform at the Boomerfest concert on campus.

The Waymires consists of Jon Reynolds (guitar and lead vocals), Ian Elkin (bass) and Bradley Taylor (drums) and will perform at 8 tonight in the Oklahoma Memorial Union’s Meacham Auditorium.

“The Facebook competition was not only a good opportunity to involve our established fans with our music, but also to expand our fan base,” said Reynolds, an OU graduate said.

The Waymires formed in 2010 after the three band members worked together in a shoe store. Despite each member’s individual backgrounds and musical styles, the band plays rock music.

“We want to bring a higher appreciation to rock and live music in general,” Taylor said. “There’s lots of talent here, and we want people to know about it.”

The Boomerfest competition is helping the band members get local recognition for their talents. The Waymires is marketing itself and getting more recognition, especially on Facebook, Reynolds said.

“Essentially, Boomerfest has become a massive PR campaign for The Waymires, and it has brought in not only fans, but also a greater presence in the Norman area,” Reynolds said. “With the success of Boomerfest, many doors are opening. We are establishing relationships with most of the local venues, and Norman will definitely be seeing a lot more of us in the coming weeks.”

The band’s Facebook page has gotten more activity since the competition began, Reynolds said.

“Rock is kind of our home base, and we feel that there’s a serious lack of solid rock and roll in Norman and in Oklahoma City,” Reynolds said. “We would like to change that.”

Colby Frederick

Colby is a former staff member of The Oklahoma Daily who worked as Life & Arts Reporter.