BAND SPOTLIGHT | Javier Mendoza and Reis Kloeckener

These St. Louis performers are making a splash in the music business as young and ready up and comers. Reis made a quick transition from singing in church and school choirs to becoming a 2012 American Idol contestant. According to The Hollywood Gossip of Feb. 3, after hearing Reis at the St. Louis audition, judge Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame started to tear up before giving Reis the thumbs up. The 20-year-old South County resident didn’t make it to the finals, but passed several rounds in the Hollywood auditions. Javier Mendoza was born in Virginia and lived in Spain and Germany before beginning his 12-year run as a full-time working musician. He’s received several awards in the St. Louis area, including Best Male Vocalist from Riverfront Times and Best Latin Artist from KDHX. With 11 albums produced in 11 years, the prolific singer-songwriter is well known for his energetic and emotional live shows, captivating audiences of all sizes and ages.