Talk about a big break! I am still reeling from the Camp Amped band that opened for Drive-By Truckers last Thursday at the 40 Watt Club. In case you missed the story in the paper this week, Camp Amped is a program run by Nuçi's Space that gives kids ages 11–17 a chance to craft their skills as musicians. Patterson Hood of the Truckers has worked with the program for the last couple years, and he invited Camp Amped to put together a band of some of its participants to showcase their skills as the opening act.

After a warm welcome on stage by Patterson himself, these five teens sauntered on stage like old pros, and then proceeded to absolutely rock. The group opened with an original song, full of the kind of Southern bravado that has been the Truckers' hallmark for years. Guitarist Philip Carpenter took on the role of frontman for this number, and he owned it. He was all charisma the whole night, interacting with the audience and feeding off the energy of the room. The crowd—and these are hardcore, hard drinking Truckers fans, remember—absolutely ate it up. The Camp Amped Band had everyone in the palm of its hands immediately. 

From there the band continued to mix things up, with everyone taking turns in the spotlight, and every musician proving equally skilled. Carpenter shared guitar solos with Hunter Hulsey, whose sweet, honey-coated croon matched his bluesy guitar riffs in tone. Drummer Nick Brown didn't miss a beat the whole night and played with both buoyancy and precision. The lovely Shelby Moss had future American Idol written all over her, and she shined as a vocalist on every song. Bassist Gabriel Mejias was impressive to watch as well, despite her petite frame she handled her instrument with confidence, and, surprise, had a killer, smoky voice to boot.

This is a brand new act of amateurs, but it felt more like watching an all-star cast. Seriously, how many bands in town, of any age, have four members who can all really sing, harmonize and write their own songs?

Of the original tunes, Moss' song made the biggest impression on me. From the beginning I was drawn to the lyrics which were so full of youthful defiance and ambition. "In spite of you I am doing things the right way," she sang, "you'll be proud of me one day, but by then it will be too late to love the girl you hated." (Apologies for paraphrasing slightly, this is all from memory.) When she started singing I figured it was maybe a Shania Twain cover or something like that, but the words were Moss' own.

The covers the band did take on were both smart and surprising. The group played one high energy Centro-matic song and a rip-roaring version of Vic Chesnutt's "Morally Challenged," with Mejias, Hulsey, Carpenter and Moss each singing a verse and then all harmonizing together.

These guys know a thing or two about planning a setlist, too, and they worked up to an epic finale. I am not exaggerating when I say every single jaw dropped to the floor when the ladies, in ringing operatic tones, sang the opening lines to the Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want." "No way! No way!" I heard somebody exclaim in disbelief. What a huge song for a young band to take on. It was a big risk, but it was executed beautifully, with Hulsey taking a turn on keyboards.

About half-way into the song, the Drive-By Truckers ran on stage to join the band in the athematic chorus, and the whole crowd was singing along. It was a magical moment and Patterson was beaming like a proud papa. I actually got a little misty eyed—if only every young musician had the chance to bask in the spotlight like this. 

I went into the show expecting to see novices with potential. But these Camp Amped kids are forces to be reckoned with right now. This band, assembled just a couple months ago, was tighter and stronger than half the local bands I've seen who are almost twice their age. Huge kudos go to Nuçi's Space for its inspiring work and to Hood who gave us a chance to wittness it.

Michelle Gilzenrat