April 1, 2012 – (Above) Lead singer Ryan Alan belts it Saturday night at Marina City’s House of Blues. The new Chicago band, named “Marina City” after the mixed-use complex, performed for about 25 minutes in a sold-out show. They were the second act in The Action Blast, which featured Marina City and three other bands.

At left on bass guitar is Nick Mooneyham. At right is Ricky Sutton. Not pictured are keyboardist Matt Gaudiano and drummer Eric Somers-Urrea.

Up next for the band is Metropia Experience Chicago, along with 24 other musicians from a variety of genres. The experience is scheduled for June 7-8 at Atrium Events, 4325 North Ravenswood Avenue. According to founder Omar Barragan, Metropia is intended to be “more accessible” than bigger festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo.

And in yet another Marina City connection, a portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to The Bully Police Squad, a nonprofit advocate for bullied children that was founded by Karen Wojcikowski, a Chicago Police officer assigned to the beat that includes Marina City.

(Below) Left to right are rhythm guitarist Brian Johnson, Mooneyham, and Alan. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

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