The Siracusa Project, (not from Syracuse), a band right out of the Tewksbury/Wilmington area recently made it to the finals of Community Auditions.

The program,  an updated and amped-up version of the long-running local talent competition, is hosted by Ramiro of Jamin 94.5, Stephen Donovan of 104.5, and Kristina Akra from Kraft Sports Productions.

A video of one of their Community Audition performances can be seen here.

The front man for Siracusa Project, Dan Siracusa, started the band a year-and-a-half ago and has been playing a variety of different venues such as parade floats, festivals, bars and just about anywhere that has an audience.

The band is booked solid for the next couple months and their first album, "By the Wayside," will be finished on Oct. 15. Originally to be a solo project, Dan Siracusa says, "I'd be nowhere without my bandmates."
     The members of the band include Siracusa who writes all the songs and does the vocals, lead guitarist Ryan Marazi, Mickey Devlin on drums, Mike Skinner on bass (who recently replaced former member and Dan's brother Tom Siracusa), and John Hogle rhythm guitar.

Tom Siracusa recently retired in order to take care of his family and his store in Tewksbury called The Children's Treasure Chest.

  "It was tough to see Tom go, but when we found Mike who had a real knack for harmonies and someone who was a bit younger, it ended up being a blessing in disguise," said Dan.

And indeed it was, for the band has took off like a rocket since then winning a battle of the bands at Nantasket Beach at the Bernie King Pavillion and even has a record deal in progress.

Bob Johnson, producer of Johnny Cash, also took an interest in the pop rock group as well.  The band became the "Star of the Day" on the Community Auditions and impressed judges Gregg Daniels, from Mix 104.1; J.J. Wright, from Oldies 103.3; Joyce Kulhawik, an arts and entertainment critic; and Donna Wright, whose helped great pop stars find their way such as the Backstreet Boys, N'Sync, and Pink.
     The way the band developed and learned to play together was mainly from doing covers like Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire" and Steve Miller Band's "Afternoon Delight."

Mazratti, who went to the Berkley Conservatory of Music in Boston, always idolized Slash from Guns n' Roses and has always had a musical background growing up.  Dan learned to write all his songs on the piano especially from his Grandfather a blind pianist.

  "I always found the best way to learn was by ear," he said.

Some of Dan's favorite bands grewing up were 3 Doors Down and also enjoyed Rob Thomas.

The band has been compared to Matchbox Twenty except "with more to edge it," Dan said.  With his trademark blue bandana which he wears at every show, you can admire the energy the lead singer brings to every show.

"Music is a powerful thing, its able to build that connection to an audience," he said.

All their songs are mainly based on their own stories and Dan always tries to make the songs relatable to everyone.

"Some people watch TV, some people do drugs, music is our way of doing something to escape from the stresses of reality" said the humble lead singer.

The band does eventually want to go on tour.  Mazratti says "what we really wanna do is save up enough for a Winnebago."

It's hard to find a band that has such passion for what they do and how hard they work for their vision.  This is also a band that is the most grateful towards its followers.

"We wanted to thank all of our friends, our families, all our fans and all the cities and places that have supported us and given us the oppurtunities that have brought us this far,"  said Siracusa.

The band can be found on Facebook, Twitter and on their main website thesiracusaproject.com, and on Oct. 29 there will be a CD release party at the Skybox in Tewksbury.