It started with a unique idea and an ad on Craigslist, and now it’s developed into an award winning band that’s opening for the Cleveland Browns.

It’s a feel good, rags-to-riches story for the seasoned veteran musicians that have formed the group Booyah!

“All around these are the best guys I’ve ever played with, hands down. This is basically the band I’ve been waiting for 25 years to play with–playing with guys this talented,” says guitarist and Genoa grad Bob Hamilton.

Booyah! formed a year ago when singer Kyle Walker connected with Hamilton. “I put the ball in motion, but the band has come together through all different forms of Karma,” says Walker, who is also a DJ at 94.5 XKR.

Booyah!-Kyle Walker, Steve Superczynski, Ken Thomas, Bob Hamilton, Gary Wagner-will perform at the Tailgate Party when the Cleveland Browns take on the Miami Dolphins. (Press photo by Harold Hamilton/HEHphotos.lifepics)

The idea that appealed to both of them was to play classic rock songs that most bands won’t tackle. The harder or lesser known songs that are well loved but aren’t staples of your typical cover band.

“We wanted to form our own niche and personality as a band,” says Walker.

“Not many people are doing it and a lot of people really want to hear the songs we’re doing. A lot of people respond to it,” says Hamilton.

Their repertoire is based mostly in the `70s and features artists like Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Who, Ted Nugent and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Some of the songs they play are “Tuesday’s Gone,” “Fool in the Rain,” “Blinded by the Light,” “Travelin’ Man/Beautiful Loser Medley,” and “Baba O Riley.”

“It’s high-energy blue-collar rock’n’roll. Toledo’s a blue-collar town and that’s the feel of the music,” says Hamilton.

Booyah! is comprised of Kyle Walker (vocals), Bob Hamilton (guitar), Ken Thomas (drums), Gary Wagner (keyboards) and Steve Super (bass).

Hamilton has fond memories of playing “The National Anthem” at a school Talent Show. He also played with Genoa music teacher Mr. Robb in the school’s Jazz Band, which entered The Blade’s Battle of the Bands contest and they took off, leading all bands in all categories with more than 1,900 votes.

A strong showing in front of the judges at The Distillery led to the band winning the Classic Rock category and opening for Martha Reeves and The Vandellas at Promenade Park on the 4th of July and Hotel California (Eagles Tribute band) at the annual Rib-Off.

“We were completely overwhelmed. For us to go from where we were to number-one was incredible. It was a tremendous amount of support,” says Walker.

Someone from the Cleveland Browns organization heard them play and offered them a spot to play the Tailgate Party at The Browns week two game against the Miami Dolphins. Bob, Kyle and Steve are all die-hard Browns fans, so the gig was a dream come true for the group.

“It’s a musical kinship. We are all having so much fun playing with each other on stage that the audience can’t help but have a good time,” says Walker.

Locally they play at Pub 51 and The Green Iguana in Northwood as well as the Cooley Canal Yacht Club in Bono. Check them out online at facebook.com/booyahband.

Booyah! – Kyle Walker, Steve Superczynski, Ken Thomas, Bob Hamilton, Gary Wagner – will perform at the Tailgate Party at when the Cleveland Browns take on the Miami Dolphins in week two of the season. (Press photo by Harold Hamilton/HEHphotos.lifepics.com)

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