‘Dai the Flu’ rocks The NorVa

by MC2(SW) Mark A. Catalano

Three Sailors stationed aboard the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) took to the stage July 27 as the headlining act at The NorVa, one of the major concert venues on the East Coast located in downtown Norfolk.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW) Nickolas Wayne (bass); Storekeeper Seaman Nick Najera (lead guitar/vocals); Hull Maintenance Technician Fireman Ricky Rogers (drums); and Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Trey Baker (rhythm guitar, currently TAD) make up "Dai the Flu," a progressive rock band of Sailors formed just three months ago. Nickolas Wayne is the son of Jim and Cheri Wayne of Gallatin and graduated with the Class of 2001. His wife is Rebecca L. (Macy), and his sister is Lindi, who joined the Naval reserves in November, 2006.

It’s a big risk to do your first show at a venue like The NorVa," Wayne said. "We’ve all been playing our instruments since around the age of eight, but this was our first performance together in front of a large crowd."
As headliners, Dai the Flu capped a string of hard and progressive rock bands that offered more and more musical talent as the show went on.
"Overall I thought it was a pretty good show," said Chief Interior Communications Electrician (SS) Eric J. Jorgensen. "I was pretty impressed. They definitely had a good presentation."
A crowd of approximately 500 rabid music fans was on hand for the high-energy show, which started at 7:30 p.m. and concluded three hours later.
Dai the Flu took to the stage at 9:45 p.m. and capped their 45-minute set to an ecstatic applause as the cheering fans chanted and pumped their fists, hoping for more.
"The concert had so much energy," said Brandon Turner, a 19-year-old Old Dominion University sophomore. "Four bands for $13, capped with Dai the Flu, you just can’t beat that. Their drummer rocked the house."
The drummer, Rogers, was one of the more unique performers of the night. Set up with his back to the crowd for Dai’s entire set, Rogers performed barefoot in a white tank top and shorts.

"He doesn’t normally perform with his back to the crowd like that," Wayne said. "The reason he did was because he had a couple tricks lined up for his drum solos."
Dai the Flu will follow up their first performance with a show Aug. 17 at the 40th Street Stage in Virginia Beach, Va. Tickets are $5. They have also been billed to perform at Hampton Roads’ Lunatic Luau in September, which is a highly publicized event in the local music scene.
The two scheduled concert dates came as a result of the band’s show at The NorVa, as booking agents in the crowd noticed the energy of the band and positive response from the crowd.
"It was nerve-wrecking and fulfilling at the same time," Wayne said. "That was Najera’s first time doing lead vocals. All in all, I think it went well."
Wayne said the band would take some time off in the fall to travel to Massachusetts and record their first full-length studio album.
Baker, the band’s rhythm guitarist, was unable to perform with the group as he is currently on temporary additional duty.