CdM’s Andrew Freire and his band took to the stage at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Friday September 25. Senior Freire, and former CdM attendees, Austin Ford, Cody Barbato, and Nick Tripi, collectively known as Plutone have been known to turn out quite a crowd, and Friday night they certainly did.

“The show was so fun and Plutone is awesome,” said senior Laura Bianchi as the curtain fell.

Plutone, formerly known as The Marinus, played for nearly an hour, and they introduced a multitude of new material that the crowd seemed to really enjoy.

“They’re definitely different in a good way, a great contrast to other local bands. [Ford's] voice lingers in your mind after the show and [Freire] is a phenomenal bassist,” said senior Natasha Marron.

They were followed by a few other acts including Newport Harbor band Blue Vinyl and other bands represented by Acropolis records.

“I showed up late to House of Blues and only heard two songs or so, [but]  they were great,  it definitely wasn’t enough, ” said senior Jasmynn Collins.

Whether they’re playing in their garage, Hogue Barmichaels, or at the House of Blues, you’re going to want to be there. Their unique sound and sophisticated musicality are highly impressive and incredibly fulfilling. Check them out at myspace.com/forplutone

On September 19, 2009 the smooth rhythmic melody of Sugar Ray hit the stage at the local Taste of Newport appearing once again in their hometown. “We’re excited to be home playing for our fellow Newporters,” Mark McGrath responds. With their new album Music for Cougars in the market, this local California band is back in the big leagues of the fast pace rocker life style.

Now, let’s go back to the year 1980, at Corona Del Mar High School, where this band was able to make their big break. “Our most memorable moment was probably playing a couple of gigs in the quad there. Those were the best,” the band recalls.

The hit song “when it’s over” was written about a high school romance, which drove into the hearts of many young women into early two thousands. “CDM gave us our big break. It’s where we all met and were able to form a band together,” the band states.

With their enthusiastic and laid-back performance, Sugar Ray continues to bring fans that California beach vibe while having fun at the same time. Their career is a perfect example of how one small pipe dream from a group of kids can turn into a reality.

“”Just remember, if you have a dream go for it. Never let anyone tell you no because it could just come true,” the local band says.

The band is Sugar Ray. Corona Del Mar’s class of 1980 is a proud alumni of a group of kids that dared to make it in the cut throat rock industry and succeeded. Their success is inspirational and we look forward to great achievements from them in the future.