Welcome to The Set List, a brand-new video series hosted by Brooke Butler, shining a spotlight on the voices, stories, and sounds of the 419 music scene. 🎸🎤 In this first episode, Brooke kicks off the series by introducing what The Set List is all about—real conversations with local bands and musicians about their journey. From how they got started in music, what inspired them to form their band, to the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way, this series dives deeper than the surface. The Set List is more than just music—it’s about passion, perseverance, and the grind it takes to build something real in the local scene. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or someone who loves supporting hometown talent, this series is for you. Tap in, turn it up, and get to know the artists shaping the sound of the 419—one set at a time. 🎶🔥

Cynthia Zachrich is a vibrant and beautiful soul. From the first moment I saw her perform I knew she was a force to be reckoned with, but I was a little intimidated by her so I didn’t even introduce myself to her right away as I sometimes do. It wasn’t until months later when I realized we shared a mutual close friend that I thought to myself, well if they’re close, and we’re close, then I bet she and I would get along great! So I reached out her through Facebook to introduce myself and I asked her to coffee, almost like asking a stranger on a date, only this was a musician friend date! She said yes, we met up, and we clicked immediately! 

Over the past couple of years, Cynthia and I have shared laughter and tears and new experiences and lessons we’ve learned through life’s struggles. Getting to zoom in on her music journey and how she got to where she is was a lot of fun.

Ashley: Do you remember the first time you thought, “I want to be on stage singing”?

Cynthia: I remember wanting to be in the high school musicals so bad, but I was so nervous for tryouts that I lost my voice. I finally made it into one my junior year. That was it!

Ashley: And the rest is history! So I initially met you through your band Venyx. Can you tell me about how that band started and what kind of music you play? 

Cynthia: My best friend since we were 15 years old, Jessica, got me into this amazing Pink Floyd Tribute Band with her. When that ended, she said we should start our own band. So, we did! That was 19 years ago. We play top 40 with a little classic rock, from Prince to Heart. 

Ashley: I love that! Doing music with your closest friends is so meaningful. Who are the artists that shaped your voice and music style the most?

Cynthia: I was really lucky that both of my parents listened to so many different styles of music. I really vibed with R&B and Motown. But I really found the styles I loved with Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige and Sade. And of course Latin music.

Ashley: Ooh I also grew up on Motown! Ok, let’s talk personal influences. Has there been anyone in your life who has played a significant role in your music career? 

Cynthia. My mom, for sure. She and her sisters had a band called Willow with four part harmonies. For all of us cousins, that was the highlight of any family get together.

Ashley: Music bringing a family together, that’s so beautiful. I think music can also bring a community together, like the local music scene we have here. What do you think makes our local music scene so special?

Cynthia. The respect and support for each other. A long time ago, before I was ever around the scene, I heard it wasn’t very nice. That has not been my experience, at all. I have made so many friends because of being in a band that plays in this area. Everyone supports everyone and even invites friends in other bands to play gigs or come and perform a song or two. I love it.

Ashley: It really is a great community. I know you sing in a few other projects as well. Tell me about those.

Cynthia: Currently, I’m focusing on Venyx mostly. Venyx has the five piece, four piece, and two and three piece acoustic variations. That keeps us pretty busy. But, I do sing for a Toto Tribute Band occasionally, and sing for a band called the Hypnotics when they open for bands like Warrant or Night Ranger. 

Ashley: What has been the most difficult part of being active in multiple groups, and how do you balance it?

Cynthia: I think just being overly busy. I work full-time and I have double booked myself before! Now I have a schedule book that I’m diligent about keeping up to date. Color coded and all!

Ashley: What would you consider the highlight of your career thus far?

Cynthia: Definitely, the relationship I have with the rest of the band and their families. I’m so comfortable being on stage with these guys and it truly makes me happy. I love when people who come out to see us tell me that they had a great time and will be back. Some of my closest friends I would not have met if it weren’t for Venyx. I get to do what I absolutely love to do and people enjoy it. That is the best!

Ashley: Can you share a performance memory that really stuck with you—whether funny, emotional, or unforgettable?

Cynthia: There are several, for sure. But one that sticks out was at Put-In-Bay. When we were done, a lady came up to me and asked me what the name of a song that we did was. After figuring out which one it was, she said she had never heard it before. It was “Creep” by Radiohead, so I was like, “Really?” But, she said she loved it so much that she had tears and was going to go listen to the original. She came back the next night and said it is now one of her favorite songs and she loved the way the band performs it. 

Ashley: That’s so cool, you got to introduce her to a song she may have never heard of it weren’t for you, and it made a huge impact! Okay, if you could dream up the next step for yourself musically—whether that’s an album, a festival, or a dream collaboration—what would it be?

Cynthia: I would love to collaborate with so many artists in our area. We have some serious talent and I always think, man, it would be so cool to do a gig with these people. I would also love to someday have the time and resources to create some original music for an album.

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your upcoming shows and music?

Cynthia: Our Venyx Facebook page or website, Venyxrocks.com.

I started a top 40 dance party cover band 8 years ago, and the moment I knew it was really going to take off was the moment Christian Lombardo showed interest in auditioning. “Auditioning”. As if he wasn’t a shoo-in. I had already seen some of his work–a promo video when he was the lead singer of local group Rock Candy, and some of the music videos he had done with The Sunset Villains when he toured nationally. I thought, “THIS GUY wants to be in MY band?” He “auditioned” and the rest is history.

I want to share his music, background, and talents with you all, so I asked him some questions to dig into his journey a little bit deeper.

Ashley: You’ve gone from being in a nationally touring originals band to fronting a local cover band and releasing your own music as a solo artist. How would you describe that journey and what each phase has taught you?

Christian: Humbling in the best way possible. There are definitely things I miss about touring the country while promoting my own music but it was very draining with little reward. I never had a “hit” so there was so much struggle. Don’t get me wrong, the memories that go along with the “struggle” are priceless but that’s because I can look at them now with rose-colored glasses and the benefit of hindsight. I have much more stability in my life now staying local, playing in my cover band with people that I love, making a living off of it and writing/releasing original music at my own pace. I’ve learned that touring the country as an “unknown” trying to “make it” is a young man’s game.

Ashley: Well I, for one, am glad you’ve decided to stay local! When you sit down to write your own music, what’s your process like? Do you start with lyrics, a melody, or a feeling?

Christian: Most of the time I sit down with a guitar because I’m feeling a certain way. That’s when I know I need to get something out. I start playing and singing out nonsense lyrics. Until eventually, some grouping of words and melody strikes me and I build a story around that, using my life experiences. 

Sometimes I’ll see or hear a grouping of words that I think is unique and I’ll write it down for later to try and put some melody to.  

Sometimes I’ll hear a melody in my head, out of nowhere, pull out my voice notes app and record it for later.

Ashley: How does performing your own original songs compare to singing covers with your band? Do you approach them differently?

Christian: Some of the fundamentals are always the same. I need to practice a lot and make sure I have everything down for original music and cover music. Note for note. That’s just my work ethic and I think it translates to both.

While performing original shows, the crowds are more like spectators for the most part. It’s a different vibe because I’m showing my personal art and feelings and seeing if they will connect and relate. More of a selfish endeavor.

There is more of a fluidity when performing cover shows for the most part. It’s more about entertaining than it is about artistic expression. It’s more about serving the audience than serving yourself. More of a selfless endeavor. Which also has value.

Ashley: Well I’ve seen you in action doing both and I think both are top notch. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how do they show up in your style today?

Christian: As a child, I grew up listening to Queen and Neil Young at a very young age. Because of my mother’s influence. I then got into Green Day, which led to bands like 311, Sevendust, and the whole “Nu” Metal movement. I also was very heavily influenced by pop and hip hop. I was a huge Tupac Shakur fan while listening to Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC. I was kind of all over the place. I’m a product of MTV’s TRL and radio. It probably explains why my song styles are kind of all over the place. But very rooted in rock.

Ashley: Yeah, I was a TRL kid myself. When you played with The Sunset Villains and had songs on the radio, what was that experience like for you? Did it change how you saw yourself as an artist?

Christian: I mean, of course it was amazing. We would go from one radio station to the next and it was a lot of fun, but a lot of pressure. At the same time, I always felt like it wasn’t enough. I know that sounds weird, but I think there was always chasing the next thing. I guess that could be good for ambition, but I also didn’t enjoy the moment as much as I should have. I felt like I just had to keep going and getting more achievements. But I think that’s the dirty trick. Never enough.

Ashley: I can definitely relate to always looking ahead to the next thing. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Toledo music scene, and how does it differ from playing nationally?

Christian: I love that there are so many places to play! It took me a little while to get my footing around here, but it’s great to have so many venues that want to book you. Full cover band, acoustic, duos and trios. Lots of opportunities.

Ashley: What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a musician, and how did you push through it?

Christian: Confidence. Still working on it… I think any artist will tell you about the struggle with their ego. Too much and then all of a sudden, not enough. The only thing I can do is to keep trying to get better. Oh and making a living as a musician. But it’s gotten a lot better! 

Ashley: Well if you ever need a confidence boost just come to me, you know I’ll pump you up! Okay so between your old band, your solo career, or your current cover band—what’s one performance that stands out as unforgettable?

Christian: That’s the great thing about making/playing music. There are so many great moments. Sometimes unbelievable moments. I played a show with Jason Derulo and Avril Lavigne and had thousands of people singing my song back to me in an arena in my hometown. Can’t get much better. 

Ashley: That sounds incredible. I can only imagine! What’s next for you musically? Any new releases, collaborations, or big shows on the horizon?

Christian: Just shot a new promo video with my cover band, Pop’s Garage! Keeping it fresh for new places to play. Writing new material and hoping to do more collaborative songwriting. It’s been awhile. 

Also, working on some country music because it’s the one genre that I haven’t been attracted to. So I’m digging in to understand more.

Going to be doing more live original/story-teller music nights.

Ashley: What do you hope people feel or take away when they hear your music or see you perform live?

Christian: Connection. It’s always connection. Whether that’s celebratory or some type of commiseration. I think we all just want to be understood. 

Ashley: Where can people find more information about your upcoming shows and original music?

Christian: This link goes to all of my socials and dsp’s! 

https://linktr.ee/ct_lombardo

Christian has played a huge role in me being connected in the local music community, and I’m so thankful to get to be doing music with him.