Yayo
Token Lounge
By John Planck
Attending a multiple band bill at the Token Lounge included the band Yayo. A
high-energy metalcore band out of Detroit as described in their own words. That high
energy wasn’t just for their band. Before their scheduled performance vocalist Jon White
was participating, moshing, and singing with the crowd before their own set started later
in the night. This band supports the scene. In fact, for the second half of Yayo’s set Jon
removed his own band;s merch and wore the opening band Eternity Awaits merch
t-shirt. Encouraging their fellow musicians without ego.
Don’t be fooled by this band’s encouragement and kindness as a weakness in the metal
music scene. They are savage on the stage! When you see the veins popping out of the
singer’s throat, as he belts out the lyrics, you know he’s delivering the pain behind those
words. Scowls and growls with energy. There is that word again, energy. Absolute and
total energy from the first lick to the last.
The band had a rotation of guests joining them on stage. Members changed
instruments from guitar to drums, and guest vocalists including Jon White’s girlfriend
Amanda Teofila joined in. Together they would make the perfect bride and groom
figurine heavy metal wedding cake topper. The chemistry between them was obvious,
sneaking fond looks at each other as they sang.
Their set was inspiring to watch. It genuinely brought the band and crowd together.
Together to celebrate not just music, art, and performance, but a humanitarian effort to
bring ALL people together. Together on a Wednesday winter Wednesday night to create
a haven from politics, opinions, and division. When Yayo finally ended their set Jon
White gladly met and posed with a young fan on the edge of the stage for some photos.
It was a show of positive energy, and a lot of it.
