Revved up for a white, hot night every time they take the stage, 2 Gunn Hart shoots into action with their high-energy style. This sexy trio of talented, local musicians is wired-for-sound and upstages the best of the best.

After having successfully debuted in York in April 2000 (following just four months of preparation), 2 Gunn Hart continues to dominate the entertainment scene with an average of 10 to 12 gigs a month. And with a secure place in the finals of the Tourist Inn's Battle of the Bands, these guys are on a quest for success as they prove to be a genuine talent and class act in the public's eye. Imbuing a bit of the punk-rocker look and exuding a passion to play, 2 Gunn Hart steals the crowd's attention with their hypnotic light show and quality sound. During a recent Tourist Inn show, one patron remarked, "The visuals and the sound capture and keep your attention ... 2 Gunn Hart yields high energy and gets the crowd involved." A surreal vision comes to life to be sure, with creativity at its very core. Into the crowd they rove, their energy and enthusiasm creating a cathartic experience for music lovers.

Actualizing in the wake of an inheritance received by Mark Sutherland Jr., 2 Gunn Hart has put their show firmly on the road. And it's been well worth the investment. I, for one, almost fell off my chair the minute they hit the stage and started to play. In seeking quality entertainment, one must admit that they're a breed worthy of attention.

This masterful lineup (all York natives) includes Mark Sutherland Sr. on guitar, Mark Sutherland Jr. on vocals and bass, and Scott Snyder on drums. All members launch powerfully onto stage, smoking with what they lightly refer to as "gangster rock." Rendered unstoppable, this band represents the younger Sutherland's lifelong dream to jam with his idol, his father.

Involved in music locally since 1983, the elder Sutherland names the King of Rock, Elvis Presley, and music sensation Gary Moore as predominant influences over his musical taste and style. The younger Sutherland prefers Kid Rock. However, he looked at me directly from across a table, pointed to his father, and said, "That man right there is my main reason for music." The younger Sutherland also indicated that he undoubtedly favors his father. Snyder, a versatile musician affiliated with the local band scene since 1990, likes the thrashing, intense sound of Motley Crue and attributes such a style to his main influence. Three generations of musical tastes ingeniously influence a trio born to rock.

And rock they did, after hurrying back from a private gig in Maryland to make their electrifying appearance on-stage at the Tourist Inn; the trio was great from the start. You almost feel an intoxicating surge of adrenaline in the face of such awe-inspiring talent. It's not just the show; these guys can play like hell, although they modestly credit their stage presentation as their hallmark to fame. Despite their modesty, their blues and classic rock rhythm reflects an obvious ability to liven an audience with an equal, unadulterated capacity to play.

To think I stifled a yawn at first, assuming the night would continue to dissipate into disappointment after fighting through York traffic. But I was totally wrong because 2 Gunn Hart grabbed my attention with their powerful presence. I wanted to shake my bootie. Not easy to energize, I felt inspired to rock. I observed them with wide eyes, stunned to witness just how phenomenal these guys are on stage. My companion and I just looked at one another and said, "Wow! These guys are good!"

Although a fan of '70s folk rock and the legendary Elton John, I can tell you that 2 Gunn Hart, live on stage, emanates great appeal. Presentation and style make their act a novelty; however, these three guys are far from short on musical talent.

Arriving at their name by virtue of Al Capone's oldest brother, good-guy lawman Richard Hart, their approach to music is suited for success. Donning "good-guy" gangster garb, complete with pinstripes and suspenders, these guys will shoot you to the moon with a mesmerizing display of lights and profound sound.

The act punches out what they call "hard-driving classic rock 'n roll blues." Flawless execution of musical talent makes this awesome trio more than a conglomerate of grand theatrics; their music is unmistakably crisp, precise Ð pure energy accelerating into powerful waves of audible delight. Slow-motion strobes caught the scorching presence and ability of the drummer, Snyder, in the backdrop, while the Sutherland duo actively engaged in an intense display of show-and-tell talent.

Accelerating into action from the get-go, they never dogged out. A sure crowd-pleaser, these guys salute their fans. "We appreciate the public's support," they told me. Working other jobs, while managing and performing innumerable gigs, fills their time as they shoot for scoring a full-time music profession.

Steadily tapping into their talent, patrons are signing them on to do private performances everywhere. These guys are in hot pursuit of a full-time career in music as they collaborate on a future CD including original works. The road ahead looks clear as the band crosses York County lines to Lebanon County on the club scene.

Clearly, adoration for such talent betook me, and I couldn't fathom why this band had not yet conquered the Lancaster club scene. York has a precious gift in its midst. But Lancaster fans want them on-stage, too. There is no doubt that 2 Gunn Hart will bring down the house in a roar of applause. Lancaster club owners need to snag this band. No one wants to miss this show. It's a good one. When I asked the band to what they attribute their quick rise to success, the Sutherland duo immediately answered, "Scott Snyder took us to a whole new level when he joined the band on drums."

And when I asked Snyder to describe the feeling he gets from this high-energy lifestyle, he said, without hesitation, "I love it. I want more of it!" These guys are oriented toward audience appeal and genuinely want the audience to have a good time. "When we look out over the audience and see people smiling, tapping their feet, and moving to the music, it makes us feel good," said the younger Sutherland.

Their intent is as hard-driving as their music ... they made such an impression on me. Far from lame, these guys are intense, focused, and sharp. They know what they're doing, and they have fun doing it.