Pictured are members of Midnight Smoke, Will Pihl, Stephen Pihl and Travis Stursa.

JAMESTOWN — Mayville’s Midnight Smoke didn’t let the pandemic slow down their creative process or curb their passion for playing and creating music.

In 2019, the Mayville band spearheaded by brothers Will Pihl (drums) and Stephen Pihl (guitar) teamed up with local musician Travis Stursa (bass and vocals) at an open mic event at the Bellini Lounge in Mayville. They instantly recognized a chemistry and began jamming together.

“Teaming up with Travis, who comes from a long line of musicians, was logistically very practical,” said Will Pihl, who also serves as the band’s social media promoter. “It enabled us to take the energy and enthusiasm I’ve always had about performing live and make it happen.”

The first year Midnight Smoke played a few gigs locally to enthusiastic crowds. Then COVID closed venues and unraveled plans to introduce their sound to the local music scene. Their last performance before the shutdown was in March 2020. With few public shows last summer, Pihl states, “We found ourselves in the same situation as many musicians, but it hurt since we were just catching steam.”

The trio practiced regularly, writing original music and building their fan base. Their sound draws from a wide range of influences, spanning from classic rock/blues, to alternative and punk rock.

They began a collaboration with Lost Recording Studio of Jamestown, which resulted in the creation of their debut album, Prove ‘Em Wrong. The band performs live Saturday to celebrate the release at Lost Recording Studios, 106 E. Second St., Jamestown. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music will begin at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at www.lostrecordingstudio.com.