Cromwell College band Mistep is still buzzing after performing in front of thousands of people at the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert on Saturday.

They even got to hang out with lead singer-songwriter and guitarist of Everclear, Art Alexakis - who gave them some feedback and words of wisdom for their musical careers.

The five-piece band is made up of lead singer Grace Tiko, Cam Anderson (bass guitar), Sullivan Sonntag (drums), Laura Bates (guitar) and Louis Maugham (lead guitar).

They played plenty of old classic rock favourites to the crowd including ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You’ by Kiss and ‘I Love Rock ’n Roll’ by Joan Jett’.

The group said it was like the feeling of being at the top of a rollercoaster about to drop, when they first stood out on the stage.

“There was such a rush of adrenaline as we began to see the thousands of people in front of us. It was such a major rush of energy and we all had a blast.”

Mistep chilling in their own marquee before their gig at Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert. From left are Grace Tiko, Cam Anderson, Sullivan Sonntag, Louis Maugham and Laura Bates. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Mistep have been playing together for a few years at events around Cromwell, and applied to Greenstone Entertainment to perform the opening act.

Bands from Wakatipu High School and Mt Aspiring College had opened the concert in the past, and Mistep was picked from quite a few entries to be the support act this year.

Cromwell College teacher in charge of music Cath Forsyth said it was an ‘’amazing’’ experience to watch them perform on the day, and they were also given ‘all access’ passes and free tickets for their families as well.

The idea to apply followed a successful gig at Scott Base winery in February, when they were asked to repeat their set again later in the day because people loved it so much, she said.

Cath was informed of their success in the October school holidays and had to keep it secret until school started back again three weeks later - when Greenstone publicly announced the lineup.

Drummer Sullivan Sonntag on the big screen. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Mistep’s video entry was also sent to Art Alexakis, who requested to meet the young band members on the day.

“There were lots of tears when they found out. They couldn’t believe it.”

The last few months the group worked hard on a group of songs that were appropriate for the target audience of the concert.

“The thing that got me… it was just surreal,” Cath said.

The stage was 30 per cent bigger than in past years, as requested by Cold Chisel band members, “and they just seemed so small up there with these huge screens either side. It was just such a moment to remember.”

The group said Art asked some questions about them as a band, after their set, and gave them great words of encouragement, letting them know they did a great job.

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