ONU will host a steel band festival beginning at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 in the north gym of King Horn Center on campus. The concert is free and open to the public.

In addition to the ONU Steel Band, bands from Bowling Green State University, Toledo School for the Arts, Clark Montessori School, Lima Arts Magnet School and the Ohio Avenue Steel Band from Columbus will join the headliner, Tracy Thornton, for a high-energy rock ‘n’ roll concert. 

Thornton was a heavy metal drummer who became an internationally renowned steel drummer, composer and arranger. He has performed all over the world and has been featured in several magazines as well as TV shows such as “NCIS LA” and “Workaholics.” 

His fresh approach to steel drums breathes new sounds into classic rock songs. Some of the songs that will be performed are “We Will Rock You” by Queen; Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter,” “Been Caught Stealing” by Jane’s Addiction, and The Who’s iconoclastic anthem “Baba O’Riley.” 

Some of Thornton’s original compositions also will be performed.