Episode 25 of Catching FIRE with RHYPH welcomes Shawn Black, founder and vocalist of Lexington's five below band.

Shawn traces the group from five friends rehearsing in a basement in late 2000 to more than 1,000 performances across the region. He joins Derek McElwee and Adam Dodson for a practical conversation about frontman craft, band chemistry, set-building, lineup changes, conflict, family, and the habits that let a working rock band last for decades.

The conversation also follows the community thread connecting five below band and Rhythm Phoenix: sharing The Cellar stage at Cellar Daze, playing Rock Between the Bridges at Proud Mary BBQ in support of Honor Flight Kentucky, and meeting again at Phoenix Fest at Bluegrass Barrel House on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

At Phoenix Fest, five below band performs from 8:00–9:30 PM, followed by Rhythm Phoenix from 10:00 PM–midnight. Bluegrass Barrel House is at 701 E Irvine St, Richmond, KY 40475.

Learn about Honor Flight Kentucky: https://www.honorflightky.org/

See Rhythm Phoenix events: https://www.rhythmphoenixky.com/upcoming

Follow five below band through Shawn's confirmed official links after recording.