When the Manufacturer & Business Association (The MBA) hosts the 121st Annual Event on October 7 at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania, the evening will begin with a powerful performance that reflects the event’s themes of patriotism and community.
Local musicians Ryan and Coen Krysiak, a father-and-son duo from Summit Township, will perform heavy metal band Metallica’s instrumental guitar arrangement of the National Anthem before approximately 1,500 business and community leaders gathered for The MBA’s signature celebration.
As the first chords of the “Star-Spangled Banner” fill the Grand Ballroom, the Krysiaks will help set the tone for an evening celebrating not only America’s 250th anniversary — the theme of this year’s event — but also the people whose work continues to strengthen Erie, northwestern Pennsylvania and the nation’s manufacturing and business community.
MBA President and CEO Lori Joint said the Krysiaks were a natural choice to open this year’s signature event — their performance made possible by sponsor Nicky B’s Truck & RV Collision.
“Ryan and Coen are extremely talented musicians and the pride they have in representing our region is truly inspiring,” says Joint. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s especially meaningful to begin the evening with a father and son whose dynamic performance reflects the spirit of our country, community and the next generation.”
Ryan and Coen Krysiak are a father-and-son duo known for blending music, motorsports and social media. Ryan is the founder of Monochrome Studios, a music school, professional recording studio and video production company at 3545 West 12th Street in Millcreek Township. He also is the guitarist and founder of the YouTube cover band First to Eleven, whose channel has more than 2 million subscribers. His son Coen, age 10, who started playing drums at 18 months and guitar at around 3 years old, has built an audience of more than 1 million followers across social media, inspiring fans through his passion for guitar, drums and kart racing.
Whether performing on stage or competing at racetracks around the world, the Krysiaks say they enjoy sharing their journey and encouraging others to pursue what they love.
For Ryan, the opportunity to perform alongside his son at one of the region’s premier business events is especially meaningful.
“It’s a tremendous honor for both of us,” Ryan says. “As a father, getting to share moments like this with my son is something I’ll never take for granted, and as musicians, being trusted to perform our National Anthem at an event that brings together so many leaders from the business community, manufacturing industry and public service is incredibly meaningful. We have a deep respect and admiration for the people in this room who build, lead, serve and strengthen our communities every day. We hope our performance reflects that respect and reminds people that music has a unique way of bringing us together, no matter our backgrounds or professions.”
To learn more about the Krysiaks, see @coenkrysiak on YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok; and follow Coen on Facebook. You can also visit firsttoeleven.com and monochrome-studios.com.
