Whiz Kid: Ricky Dolinsky of Dakota Badlands

Who are you guys? We are Dakota Badlands!

So shouts lead guitar and vocalist, Ricky Dolinsky, a 16-year-old junior at Morristown High School. Along with his fellow bandmates, the group plays a form of garage rock, with Ricky anchoring the stage.

"We believe that stage presence is key," Ricky says. "Any band can go up there and play a show. We like to put on show. If you make an electrifying performance, then the crowd gets into it, and thats how you win them over."

Dakota Badlands has an EP out currently, released last year titled "Streets of Verona," and will be releasing another in the coming months. "We have a lot of new material, and we think a lot of people will like it," Ricky says.

Ricky says he can write a song out of pretty much anything. "I'll often be at home or in class and I get a tune or a nice set of lyrics in my head, and I'll write it down," he said. "Then I go to the guitar and make a catchy progression that goes with it. Then I show the boys. Its a great experience. Not only are these guys my bandmates, but they're my friends, so it's easy to work with them, and the results are great."

Every Friday, we feature our Whiz Kids, showing off the great accomplishments of kids in our community (got a suggestion for Whiz Kids? See .)