Acoustic Duo “ Flip Side” have only been together a year, but they are already making waves around Griswold and the surrounding communities . John Cadarette and Derek Ventilato are the men behind the acoustic musical repertoire .

Having recently competed in the “ Catch a Rising Star” talent show , the duo is actively getting their music out through performance and press kits . Learning about the competition through friends , Cadarette and Ventilato dusted off a 20-year-old song written by Ventilato . “ I have an extensive writing background from college , ” said Ventilato .

To enter the competition , the men needed to create a DVD of themselves . “ It was the longest weekend of our lives , ” said Ventilato . They had to do several takes to create the best audition video . “ Nothing ventured , nothing gained , ” said Cadarette . The video secured their spot as one of the 15 selected bands in the competition .

Both men put new life into the song , making it their own . “ That Ain’t Love ” did not place the duo in the competition , but it did get favorable reviews from judges and audience members alike . Winning was never the end goal said Cadarette . “ It was more important to enjoy the performance aspect of it , rather than the contest , ” said Cadarette .

“ Flip Side” focuses on developing harmonies to almost any song imaginable . “ We’ll do any genre , if we can translate it , ” said Ventilato . But the band would like to stick to their acoustic sound . Covering hits from artists like Britney Spears , the Beatles and Match Box 20 , the group actually enjoys rehearsal time . “ Reahearsals are fun , which is scary , ” said Cadarette , “ ’cause rehearsals are usually torturous [ for bands ] . ”

Cadarette and Ventilato are not newcomers to performing live or with a band . According to Cadarette , both men knew of each other from previous bands they were a part of . Past bands and performances is how Ventilato secures venues for “ Flip Side . ” “ We rely on reputation , ” he said . A reputation for quality performances and connections gives the full-time employed men an edge over other local bands .

The band does not expect the audience to sit during shows . According to Ventilato , the duo hopes people have the feel of sitting around the campfire with two friends who play guitar .

“ Flip Side” welcomes audience banter , song requests and challenges them to musical trivia . Winners of the trivia get a drink of their choice on the duo . “ How many places can yougo where the band is gonna offer to buy youa drink ? ” said Ventilato .

“ We’re too old to be rockstars , ” said Ventilato , “ we’re the anti-rockstars . ” Cadarette feels the same . “ As long as people have fun , that’s success , ” he said . Learn more about “ Flip Side” at www . unplugyourrock . com .