Brainchild plans to rock the minds of Charleston 9:30 p.m. this Saturday  for Family Weekend at Macs’ Uptowner at Guitarist Jake Shultz, other guitarist and vocalist Ray Ponce, and drummer Pony Boy power the “funky jam band” Brainchild is returning for the third or fourth time according to Shultz.

The band has played in Charleston before, but this is their first time taking the stage for Family Weekend.

The unique name for the band was born after Shultz had been looking through the dictionary for names for songs.

He said he came across the word and when his bandmates were trying to decide a name, he suggested it.

Shultz said it’s hard to pick a genre for Brainchild to fall under.

“It’s kind of hard with us, we don’t stick to one kind of sound,” Shultz said.

The band enjoys drum and guitar solos, and Shultz said he often harmonizes with Ponce, who he has known since he was five years old.

Shultz said he played saxophone until he was a freshman in high school, where Ponce showed him his guitar.

When Shultz learned to play guitar, he said he felt like he had learned the “art of music.”

“Guitar is more of a feeling,” Shultz said.

Music has always interested Shultz, who said when he used to play Christmas songs by ear on his Grandma’s organ.

Shultz said a life without music would be unimaginable.

“Art in general is a reflection of life,” Shultz said, “Everything is art.”

Shultz said the band’s crowds are normally filled with music-lovers and people who enjoy live music.

He said the best part of being on stage is performing for a crowd that is into the music and that “it just feels natural.”

Shultz said his favorite places to perform are the Abbey Pub in Chicago and Charleston because of the energy from the crowds.

Shultz’s dream for the band is to play overseas in Europe where there is more of a scene for “underground” music.

“America tends to be more into pop,” Shultz said.

Shultz’s ultimate goal as a musician is simple: “My ultimate goal is to not work a day job. I don’t care about being rich and famous.”

Carole Hodorowicz can be reached at 581-2812 or cdhodorowicz@eiu.edu.