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LIVE MUSIC Alt-rock band Key of Three is a contender this weekend at Rising Stars Comment By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM Updated Mar 19, 2015 at 7:06 PM By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM Updated Mar 19, 2015 at 7:06 PM » Social News One of the best aspects of South Stage Cellars' Rising Stars music competition — and there are many — is that the annual event places original music from emerging and adept musicians at the forefront. This year, the competition showcased not only Medford and Ashland soloists and groups, but also talent from Klamath Falls, Jacksonville and Northern California. Key of Three, from Grants Pass, is all about original music. Music — with four songwriters in the band — that eludes definition. "Every one of us is a songwriter," says guitarist Mike Smith. "When I joined the band less than a year ago, I had to learn about 40 of its songs, and so far the band has learned six of mine. One of us will come into rehearsal with a basic song, and we'll play it until we get to know it. Then we add parts that make it sound dynamic. We work the hardest on the vocal tracks. The vocals are really the sparkle on our songs." The group will contend for a slot in the finals during Rising Stars' fourth semifinal round at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 21, at Redmen Hall, 110 S. Third St., Jacksonville. It will match its talent and strength against the T.J. Elton Band and alt-country and rock duo The Brothers Reed. A panel of three judges — including Britt Festivals' President Donna Briggs — will be a factor in choosing the winner, but audience members can purchase votes for $5 to help their favorite band get to the finals. Admission to the semifinal round costs $10, and tickets can be purchased at South Stage Cellars, Music Coop in Ashland or by calling 541-899-9120. All proceeds will benefit LifeArt, a youth suicide prevention program that provides teens with creative outlets. Key of Three founding members, guitarist John Eyler and vocalist Heide Eyler, worked together for 10 or 15 years as a folk duo, Smith says. When guitarist Don Howell joined them, they became alt-folk band Key of Three. Bassist Debra Lawton came on board, and the group recorded "Wonderland" in 2012. When Howell left for San Diego last year, Smith moved into the vacant spot. "I'm a rock musican," Smith says. "So the band expanded the alt-folk sound to include alt-rock. I also play banjo, mandolin, baritone guitar and ukulele. We haven't worked the mandolin and ukulele into our songs yet, but it's on the horizon. I think I scared them a little by bringing the banjo in while we were working on this alt-rock thing, but it fits certain songs and changes our music dramatically. "The thing about original music is that there's no reference point," Smith says. "Part of the excitement is that original music is created from scratch. John and Debbie are poetic, storytelling songwriters, I write about life in general, and Heidi's songs are a combination of poetry and mystical ideas." Smith was a member of Grants Pass rock trio Mr. J for 13 years. He recorded two albums, "No Ordinary Moments" and "Cool Revolution" with the group. "There's a couple of people out there that bought those records," Smith laughs. "Key of Three is going to play a set of its best stuff Saturday. There will be everything from a straight-ahead country song called 'Sunshine' to a rock 'n' roll song called 'Mexico.' " By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Laurie Heuston Mail Tribune Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 10:00 AM Updated Mar 19, 2015 at 7:06 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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