August 30, 2002 Posted: 06:10:08 AM PDT

Johnny Rocket and the Thrust, from left,

Jim Correia, Roland Calagos

and Sam Regalado

In conceiving a new name, the group wanted to convey a sense of movement and action, according to the members.

"We needed a name that had a little pizazz and something that's moving -- very alive with action," said Roland Calagos.

Just 5 years old, Johnny Rocket and the Thrust has played at some high-profile events and venues, including the Gilroy Garlic Festival and at the Hard Rock Cafe in Sacramento. The band also garnered a Modesto Area Music Association award in 2001 as best blue collar band.

Among the elements that have helped make the band a success, the members agree, is an ability to put a fresh stamp on the songs they cover.

Points out band member Sam Regalado: "We're more than just a jukebox."

Here's a question-and-answer look at Johnny Rocket and the Thrust, made up of Calagos, 52, on vocals and guitar; Jim Correia, 51, vocals and drums; and Regalado, 49, vocals, bass and keyboards.

Rock/Rhythm and Blues

Motown artists, The Rolling Stones, Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mellencamp

Yes, and they have been very well received.

1997

In early 1997, with the goal of starting a group, Roland jammed with various local artists. In April, he invited Sam to a session and discovered that he knew and enjoyed several similar tunes. In the meantime, by coincidence, Jim also hoped to start or join a band and, in November of that year, at a party in the home of a mutual friend, jammed with Roland and Sam. All three recognized the musical chemistry of that evening and formed a trio. Initially known as "Matter," the group later adopted the name "Johnny Rocket and the Thrust."

Within the scope of nearly 200 performances, the group has played at such festivals as the Gilroy Garlic Fest, Oakland Art & Soul Fest, Merced Hot August Nights and Modesto's Oktoberfest, among others. The band also has played at a variety of dance clubs such as Sacramento's Hard Rock Cafe, Modesto's Minnie's, Black Oak Casino, Jackson Rancheria, and several other clubs in the Sonora/Twain Harte area, Ventura in Southern California, and Seattle, Wash.

During a July 2001 tour of gigs in the Seattle region, one band member managed to lose a rental car at the airport, monsoon-like rains interrupted an outdoor performance near Mount Rainier, and, on the return flight to California, part of the right engine of the jet caught fire before takeoff.

Roland teaches eighth grade at a local junior high school.

Jim is a clerk for Modesto City Hall.

Sam is a university professor at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock.

No. The Johnny Rocket schedule takes up enough time as it is.

As Roland is from San Francisco, Jim from Los Banos, and Sam from Los Angeles; their musical credentials were bred with popular local bands in those regions.

Johnny Rocket hopes to build on its following in such regions as Monterey, the Sierra foothills, Bay Area, and the Pacific Northwest. Time permitting, a recording of original materials also is possible. Finally, perhaps in the distant future, there also lies some potential for adding members to the group.

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Web site: jrthrust.hypermart.net

Johnny Rocket and the Thrust plays Sept. 6 at the Mainzer Theater in Merced; and

Sept. 7 at the Turlock Music Festival.

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It's Saturday night and you want to go dancing, or just sit and tap your toes to some familiar tunes. You're looking for a night spot and good cover band.

Several of these bands play regularly at venues and festivals in the Modesto and foothill areas.

To spotlight these groups, we're starting an occasional series of question and answer features, this one on Johnny Rocket and the Thrust.