Hollister High School Choir performs with Foreigner

BY AMANNDA G. MAPHIES, Freelance Writer

Friday, September 12, 2025, presented the unbelievable opportunity to attend a Foreigner concert at Black Oak Amphitheater in Lampe, Missouri. Not only was this an epic evening for ‘80s-loving, big-hair band fans, but it was a dream come true for a handful of Hollister High School choir students that were invited to perform alongside Foreigner, singing one of the band’s greatest hits of all time, “I Want to Know What Love Is.” This iconic performance was the second to last act of the show. Before that inspiring moment, however, there was a large array of entertainment that brought fans to their feet and rocked the outdoor auditorium ‘like a hurricane’ (Scorpions, 1984).

As the summer evening sun faded over the Black Oak Amphitheater, owner John Stauffer II took center stage and emotionally spoke to the disheartening events of the preceding week. Stauffer humbly requested a moment of silence for the senseless assassination of Charlie Kirk, further requesting each member of the nearly sold-out audience to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Every person in the packed stadium complied, from the youngest to the oldest. Several with tears streaming down their faces, for a man they never met and perhaps didn’t agree with, but knew, intrinsically, that his murder was the antithesis of values upon which this country was founded.

This show of communal camaraderie, mutual respect and shared grief stood out more than the rock stars on stage, or even the fact that I was invited to capture photos in front of the largest audience I have ever known. Stauffer’s message was a call to action, an exemplary dialogue embracing diverse beliefs, but very much condoning kindness above all. It was a meaningful moment I will carry in my heart forever. 

Regaining his composure, Stauffer excitedly introduced the well-known ‘80s tribute band, Members Only. Members Only band owner and performer, Zach McClease, shared that an agent from the band, Foreigner, reached out to invite the well-known local tribute band to open for the legendary rock band. Of course, the response was an overwhelming and unanimous Yes!!! from the five musicians that make up Members Only.

Members Only is a Springfield tribute band that specializes in bringing big hair, guitar heroes and well-known rock ballads to the stage. No strangers to Black Oak Amphitheater, they have shared the stage with lyrical greats such as Leta Ford, Poison, Journey, Starship and Def Leopard, to name just a few. The band members Zach McClease, owner and manager, plays guitar; Sarah Labeau, the lone female vocalist who wows the audience with her expansive vocal ability, entertaining dance moves and nostalgic ‘80s inspired wardrobe; Jake Simpson, keyboard player; Steve Mason, drummer; and Jim Vannoy, on bass, brought down the house and aptly prepared the crowd for the headliner on this sultry Friday evening in the heart of the Ozarks.

McClease and Vannoy are the original performers in Members Only, a band that has been going strong for 16 years. “While we have hired musicians throughout the years, this is the closest knit, strongest group we have ever had. The band is bigger than each individual; it is the name, Members Only, that carries us.” said McClease. While Members Only has traveled the bandwidth of the United States and Australia, the majority of their performances are centered around Springfield, Missouri, specifically the southwest corner, the very heart of the Ozarks.

The band’s manager, Zach McClease, has been with Members Only since the inception. He handles the transportation, financial needs, scheduling/booking and daily business of the band. “Everyone in the band is professional and enjoys learning new sets. Our busiest time is during the summer, so we tend to practice more in the fall and winter months when bookings are slower.” shared McClease.

Members Only was born from a well-known, beloved piano bar, Ernie Biggs, once located in downtown Springfield. McClease and Vannoy, original members, both worked at the infamous dueling piano bar. The duo noticed that the most requested, crowd-interactive music was from the 1980s. Their dedicated performances at Ernie Biggs sparked a desire to start a band playing ‘80s music covers.

Members Only is one of the most popular cover bands in the 417 area. They play anything from small celebrations to large, sold-out concert arenas like Black Oak Amphitheater. Versatility is their middle name, and they faithfully top their popularity for those rockin’ ‘80s fans with each new performance. While there is no stage too big for the hometown favorites, McClease said, “My favorite thing is playing at a small-town venue to an audience that has never heard of us. Seeing the crowd ‘Wowed’ by our performance is rewarding.”

The conclusion of the concert showcased Hollister High School performing one of Foreigner’s greatest hits, ‘I Want to Know What Love Is.’ McClease spoke to this monumental moment for these high school students. “With the onslaught of the tragedy earlier this week, I know the song was not chosen for that purpose, but it could not have been a more fitting selection. Treating everyone with kindness, thinking of others and letting actions stem from love is truly what it’s all about” said McClease, “The Hollister High School performance with Foreigner nailed it.”

While Members Only steered clear of Foreigner songs, their set list included sing-along anthems and well-known ‘80s rock hits to entice their adoring fanbase. This was no small town, backyard gig for Members Only. The venue, which can accommodate up to 11,000, was nearly sold out. To book or attend future Members Only performances, check out their website: https://www.membersonlytribute.com/.

Foreigner arrived onstage with a bang, revving the already-wild audience up with song favorites including “Urgent,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” “Dirty White Boy,” “Cold as Ice,” “Double Vision,” and other noteworthy ‘80s hits. The band played long into the night and ended on an upswing, sharing the stage with the local Hollister High School Choir.

Lauren Reedy, Hollister High Choir Director, received a call from Foreigner’s agent in April 2025. She spoke of her surprise, albeit slight disbelief, that the proposition was ‘for real’. Reedy immediately said yes, stating: “I didn’t want to miss this opportunity; I figured I could beg forgiveness, rather than sit on an answer too long.” Fortunately for Reedy and her choir students, Superintendent Dr. Brian Wilson, who retired at the end of the 2024/25 academic year, and former Principal Dr. Jared Terry (now Superintendent of District Operations) were in agreement to snatch up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“It was the wildest 30 minutes of my life!” shared Reedy, reminiscing about the phone call that rocked her world and put small Hollister High on stage with legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Foreigner. Since the agreement specified a certain number of students, Reedy shared the opportunity to the Hollister High Show Choir, The Blue Harmony Singers, made up of 22 auditioned high school students.

Once Reedy was given the green light by the administration, she wanted to surprise her students. She played the hit song, ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’ one spring afternoon, while videoing the students as they entered the classroom. “As the students walked into the familiar choir room, they instinctively sang along to the well-known song, getting caught up in the nostalgic feelings this popular ‘80s hit conveys.” She teased them a bit asking if they liked the song, what they liked about it, and “Oh! Hey….by the way, would you want to perform it with the song’s namesake, Foreigner, ONSTAGE, to a likely sold-out audience in September?!” Of course, the students were over-the-moon excited and worked diligently over the next few weeks to perfect their performance, in wild anticipation of singing onstage with the famed rock band.

Reedy shared historical knowledge with her high schoolers on the significance of this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, Foreigner. “They were well aware that this was a BIG opportunity. This song is typically what Foreigner uses onstage to emphasize the importance of music in schools. We are grateful for the notoriety this experience provided to the students, teachers, staff, parents and members of our local community. In addition, Foreigner generously donated $500 to our choir program.” said Reedy.

Seeing the students perform and exit the stage, one by one, on the night of this high-energy rock concert was quite a treat. Many of the students saluted, waved, bowed and added their own unique touch to the performance, truly soaking up the spotlight they shared with such a cult-classic rock band. “The energy after the performance was so fun! One student said: ‘We just did that!’. It was an honor to lead them in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” shared Reedy.

“Personally, I was really excited. When we first entered the stage, I was a little nervous, but felt, ‘We can do this!’, once we started performing. My favorite part was when Foreigner frontman, Kelly Hansen, stood in front of us after the song and said, ‘You guys are so cool!’” shared Ashley Sansoucie, Hollister High Soprano Section Leader. Sansoucie hopes to join a college choir or do something with the band when she graduates.

Hollister High’s alto section leader, Kira Gallaher, shared: “When we arrived at the amphitheater, it didn’t feel real. The idea we would be on stage in front of so many people; it was a surreal experience!” She went on to share that once arriving on stage, the nerves dissipated, and it was an “amazing experience.” “Singing is my happy place, and it felt natural once we started our performance. I am grateful for this opportunity that gave our choir a taste of the spotlight.”

Tenor/bass section leader, Levi Bone: “I grew up listening to Foreigner. I knew all the songs. I led our choir to the stage and yes, it was nerve-wracking, but the nerves vanished when we started to sing. I would do it again if I could!” Bone alluded, “This experience will definitely impact my future interest in music.”

Hollister High Choir Director, Lauren Reedy, teared up watching her students perform. “This was a lifelong memory that we made in this moment together.” she said, highlighting the unique experience. Reedy and the Vice-Principal, Roger Brallier, were transported to the area between the stage and the audience, the ‘pit’, to witness the performance up close and personal. “I am proud of these students and excited for their future. If this experience sparks an interest in a future music career, I am grateful to help them get there,” shared Reedy.

In addition to Foreigner’s worldwide support of music in schools, they are proponents of the Shiners Hospitals for Children, providing pediatric hospital care for a variety of childhood injuries, birth defects and medical conditions. Several opportunities for fundraising, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Shiners, were presented on this night. One such raffle included a signed guitar from the world-renowned band Foreigner. For more information on Foreigner, current band members, and upcoming concerts, visit: https://www.foreigneronline.com/.

Black Oak Amphitheater provides a truly rich and vibrant Ozarks-only music experience. Surrounded by rolling hills and the beauty of nature, the Stauffer Family seeks to offer a welcome and enjoyable concert experience, providing big-name entertainment coupled with an easily accessible venue. To browse upcoming concerts at Black Oak Amphitheater, go to their website at: https://blackoakamp.com/.