Several bands were started during the pandemic, one of them is the BAJA band. It is a group of musicians based out of Northern/Central Illinois featuring a live horn section.

The band, started by Johnathan Rivera and AJ Schmall, was created in the midst of the pandemic.

“We started BAJA in 2020 when Jonathan and I [AJ Schmall] were sent home from our colleges, him at NIU and myself at Bradley, due to COVID-19,” said Schmall.

They are both from Dixon, IL. He said they were able to hang out; writing music and learning covers in the newfound time they had.

“Things escalated quickly from March of 2020 with us releasing our first professionally recorded song "Nothing Can Hold Me Back" in December of 2020,” said Schmall.

Schmall and Rivera are the core members of the group. AJ mainly handles the business side of things while Jonathan spends a lot of time arranging horn parts.

Schmall said what sets them apart from other bands is their larger group and horn section.

“We always include me on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Jonathan on lead guitar, keys, and lead vocals, a drummer, bass player, and a fluid horn section,” said Schmall.

They frequently perform with a number of musicians, they also occasionally perform with a network of horn players.

“Performances typically range from 6-8 people but have gotten as large as 12 musicians. The ever-changing lineup keeps each show unique yet consistently achieves the same end sound,” said Schmall.

Schmall recalls their favorite concert experience so far.

“We played a mashup of covers for the first time (Chameleon - Herbie Hancock, Valerie - Amy Winehouse, and Superstition - Stevie Wonder) that was SO fun,” said Schmall.

They will be in Dunlap in July. They will be back in the Peoria area in September and October!