Cool kids: Danny Weaver finds expressive outlet in music

Danny Weaver has healthy ways of expressing himself. He has been playing the guitar for about four years and started playing the drums more than a year ago.

“It’s fun,” he said. “I get to beat the crap out of something …” His mother, Michelle Winterroth, interrupted, “You mean, ‘Take your frustrations out in a healthy manner.’ ” Danny smiled, “Yeah, that.”

Danny, 15, also plays a mean hammer. For the past few years, Danny has been helping with the renovation of rentals that are owned by family friend, Ken Cross.

“I call him the wizard. He always comes up with ideas … he has a creative mind,” said Cross, who nominated Danny for Cool Kids, “He’s a great kid who learns well. He’s taught me a few things, too.”

Danny has worked on bathrooms, kitchens and roofs.

“I can hopefully get a job that requires maintenance and handiwork because that is what I know most about and love to do,” Danny said, “If I do go to college, I want to get my business degree so I can open my own house and maintenance shop.”

That would be Danny’s backup plan, which he hopes he doesn’t need; he really wants to be a rock ‘n’ roll musician.

Danny is an eighth-grader at North Pines Middle School, where he plays football and the snare drum in the school band. He also plays in a band called Vengeance for Achellis. “He’s a natural when it comes to musical instruments,” said his dad, Don Weaver.

Heavy metal rock bands of the 1980s inspire Danny.

“They make me want to jam as hard as I can and as loud as I can,” he said.

He practices every day and keeps his grades up so he won’t get grounded from the drums, guitar or band practice.

Whether Danny becomes Rolling Stones famous or locally famous, he keeps it real.

“You can be a rock star in your own eyes … that doesn’t mean you need to do drugs or alcohol. You don’t have to be Kurt Cobain or Elvis Presley,” he said. “Just stay cool, be yourself, and no one can make fun of you for being what you want and who you want to be.”

Danny has been through some tough times. After his parents divorced, his mother fell into a violent relationship, which she left, causing her and Danny to live in a car for a couple of weeks.

“Daniel gave me strength, kept me laughing and made me remember what was really important,” Winterroth said. “I wouldn’t be as strong as I am today without him. All in all, he is an amazing kid.”

Focusing on his musical prowess and his sense of humor, Danny’s ready for anything that life might throw at him.