The Guests

The Guests started about two & a half years ago as two brothers (Cory & Brendan) and a best friend (Darrell). They tried finding a lead guitarist but there was only a couple choices in the small town of Newberry, FL. Darrell, Brendan, & Cory started a band w/ a friend, James H., called Faolan, but it fell through w/in a short time period. After Faolan quit, Darrell, Cory, & Brendan continued to jam and mess around with different musical aspects. Shortly following, the 3 came up with the band name, The Guests, and started the search for a lead guitarist. After a couple of trial & errors they found the guitarist for the job; his name is Carsen Stefanelli. So we put him to the test while playing a couple of the songs that Brendan, Cory, & Darrell had already made and he fit right in w/ them. 5 songs and a couple of gigs later, The Guests recorded their 1st demo. It was rough sounding, but it was a start. Selling and distributing the demo was not a problem, but as time progressed, Brendan seemed to lose interest and shortly announced his resignation from the band. The time period after that was known as "The Great Burrito Depression". Many fans were disappointed and the remaining members of the band decided to form other projects. This is when Cory went solo ("Cory O.") & Carsen & Darrell formed "the Good Fight". No matter what happened Cory, Brendan, Darrell, & Carsen always ended up bumping into each other and talking about reuniting the band. So a couple of meetings later, The Guests reunited. "The Great Burrito Depression" was over and The Guests were back w/ a vengeance. A couple more songs were made during this regrouping period and lead to some tremendous gigs such as the Jesus Freakend retreat, Jamstock, and countless others. Even though everything looked fine for the future of The Guests, there were some dark clouds ahead. BreakThru Orlando was an event that was supposed to let unsigned bands/groups perform for "Big-time" Record executives. The problem was, The Guests performed for the Rap/Hip Hop/R&B execs who knew very little about rock n roll. But needless to say, The Guests got some free stuff, music submissions, & some connections w/ other local bands! After that The Guests got into the holiday spirit and learned 5 Christmas songs to play during their December shows. The show at their church Christmas party went great, but it was the show at the hospital that was turned upside down (Apparently old security guards don't like Christmas rock songs and other office employees think a guitar solo will make them go deaf). But all of this did'nt bother The Guests thanks to the support from a "Slayer" loving baby, Two Dollar Joe, A guy that looked like Esteban, and all of the hospital workers that just wanted to hear some good music. The new year (2006) brought a whole new excitement for The Guests! Although January & February were pretty slow months March came roaring in without notice. The 1st week of March, The Guests recorded their album, "Someday's Stories" which gave little time to play shows, but major practice time. March 17 was the infamous Battle of the Bands @ Skate Station & Funworks. This was the 2nd year that the Guests entered in the BOTB and this time they were not gonna be beat by some crappy screamo band! Before The Guests got up to play everything went wrong! Cory was borrowing Trent's SG guitar and with know warning the strap loosened sending Trent's guitar flat to the hardwood floor! This fall broke the input completely henceforth putting out zero guitar & 100% screeching. If that wasn't enough, since the guitar was still plugged in the microphones sent electrical shocks into Cory's mouth, causing severe pain & dryness. Despite all the problems The Guests arose victorious! After the BOTB @ Skate Station, The Guests were recharged and looking forward to the months ahead. The Guests set out in June to play 9 shows all around the beautiful state of FL. This mini tour was an awesome experience for the 4 boys allowing them to meet many kool people, bands, & new places. After a summer of awesome shows, The Guests finally finished their "Someday's Stories" album & put it into circulation. It is currently for sale at live shows & online. They also made t-shirts & stickers which are also for sale.
Recently Carsen has decided to leave the band. The remaining Guests support him in this decision & wish him the best in his new endeavors. Taking his place will be Daniel Kuzmenko, so expect to hear some new songs coming your way! So in the end, The Guests have already overcome trials & hardships, but with their faith in & many blessings from God they are more than ready for the future.