Sticks with stones can break some bones, but a Hermitage teen uses his sticks with talent to beat out the blues.

Stephen Marks, 17, of 50 N. Buhl Farm Drive, and a senior at Hickory High School, has been playing the drums for blues band Cleveland Fats, based in, where else?, the Cleveland area.

He credits his year-long band experience with Mark Hahn, whose stage name is Cleveland Fats, and the band for helping him more clearly define a goal Stephen has had for years -- to play music professionally.

"It's a really good learning experience on so many levels," the senior said. "I enjoy it. It's a lot of fun. It's one thing to practice or play in a studio, but just by playing with them I've learned so much.