By: Christy Switser
Two youth bands from Tuck’s Rock Dojo brought energy, and talent to day two of GreggFest, kicking off the festival with style.
Kicking off day two of GreggFest was Tucks Rock Dojo, a youth music school from the Upper Valley, that performed a variety of eclectic songs. The group featured two separate bands. First up was Food Fighters, a five-member group consisting of a vocalist, bassist, drummer, guitarist, and keyboardist. A standout highlight was their confidence and how well they played together. The singer was especially polite to the audience and even picked up a guitar while the rest of the band played along. One song that truly matched the energy of both the band and the crowd was “Monsters” by All Time Low, a well-known pop/rock hit that aligned perfectly with their style.
The second band to perform was POET, which I would describe as blending smooth melodies with elements of classical jazz. The group included a drummer, keyboardist, bassist, vocalist, and guitarist. One of their standout songs was “Green-Eyed Lady” by Sugarloaf. While the band started off calm and subtle, they continued to keep the audience engaged and happy throughout their set. An interesting fact is that the owner, Tuck, performed with both bands on guitar. He brought a lot of energy and gratitude to the stage, thanking everyone who attended. He also did a great job keeping the performers on track and in tune, stepping in to resolve any issues when something didn’t sound quite right. Overall, POET was a professional and composed group that brought a refreshing and uplifting perspective to the festival.
Tuck’s Rock Dojo provides youth in the Upper Valley with a chance to explore their passion for music by learning instruments and performing in bands alongside fellow students. This hands-on, collaborative approach has been a cornerstone of the program, led for years by founder and mentor Tuck Stocking. Among the dojo’s notable alumni is singer-songwriter Noah Kahan. In a memorable moment, Kahan invited current students to join him on stage at the Bank NH Pavilion in 2023, where they performed “Stick Season,” the title track from his acclaimed 2022 album.
Tuck’s Rock Dojo regularly performs across the Upper Valley, with upcoming shows scheduled at the Covered Bridges Half Marathon and Storrs Pondaroo in June 2025.
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VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
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