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Poway Band Monkeys in Space Ready to Launch Spring Tour

Monkeys In Space band members renovate an old Metro bus in preparation for a spring tour.

After digging into savings and buying an old Metro transit bus with plans for renovation, the Poway-based members of the band Monkeys In Space will soon be hitting the road in style.

So far, they’ve installed carpeting, shades and completed the painting. Next on the list are the basic necessities—bunk beds, a microwave, fridge and TV. And a bunch of guitars.

“We have about nine between us, but they’re all kind of Frankensteined together,” said guitarist Johnny Rukkus, 24. “We break them, we go through them, we’re always picking up new ones. If we had a sponsor it would be duct tape.”

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The “straight-up rock band” is also made up of Jeremy Vara and Ryan Higginson, both 24, and Josh Smith, 19. Higginson is the son of Mayor Don Higginson.

Once roommates in Pacific Beach, they ditched their lease early to crash with friends and parents in preparation for their tour departure in March.

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“It’s been pretty rough,” said Rukkus, who estimated the cost of everything to date at about $4,000. “We sold off everything we own and are prepared to leave and never come back.”

But the future looks hopeful. Their travel plans include gigs along California’s coastline, as well as Washington, Colorado, Utah, Arizona and Canada, and they’re already booked three months out.

“We had to step up and make the commitment,” said Rukkus. “It’s all or nothing at this point, and we are headed straight to the top.”

To make a monetary contribution to the band's tour, visit its Kickstarter Page.

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