Musicians Bring 'Sibling Rivalry' to the County Fair

In 2006, 12-year-old Justin Zimmerman and his 9-year-old sister Alina took the stage at the Brick Community Players Annual Talent Show.

They’ve hardly left the stage since.

Today, the Zimmerman kids will take the stage for the third time at the Middlesex County Fair in East Brunswick, under their more commonly known moniker “Sibling Rivalry.” Joining them will be their longtime friend and guitarist Jack Kapulsky.

While “Sibling Rivalry” is a perfect name for a brother and sister musical act, they claim it’s just that: a name.

“The name 'Sibling Rivalry' oddly enough came up after my mom had a disagreement with her own sister,” Justin says. “She screamed out the name, then thought it would be perfect as a band name for a brother and sister. After hearing her idea for a band name we couldn't help but agree it could work. We actually get along; there really isn't much rivalry between us.

“It’s usually good rivalry in a creative sense, we have our differences at times while rehearsing, but it brings out the best in what we do.”

It’s been bringing out the best in them for years.

“We have been performing together for six years now,” Alina said. “Our first show together was for the Brick Community Players Annual Talent Show in 2006… it was a great experience and was well received. It went so well that we were photographed by a reporter and made the front page of the Asbury Park Press."

The Zimmermans reside in Howell.

They both remember their first set list: Justin performed "Drift Away" first, followed by Alina’s rendition of Kelly Clarkson's "Behind These Hazel Eyes" while accompanied by Justin on guitar.

Certainly a few fellow musicians with a little more experience have advised the Zimmermans they’re on the right track.

“We have a lot of fond memories but perhaps the most favorite would be when we met Bruce Springsteen this past Christmas Eve while performing in Red Bank,” Alina said. “Brother and sister harmonies are the best you can get, as told to us by Bruce Springsteen himself.”

Six years is a long time whether you’re a teenager or not, and the Zimmermans credit their parents for helping them keep the act going thus far. “Our family is very involved. Our mother helps us with booking our shows and promoting us, and our dad helps us with setting up/breaking down the sound equipment. They both are very supportive of our music.”

At the moment, “Sibling Rivalry” is a cover band, but there are plans to change that in the very near future. “We perform as a cover band right now but we are currently working on original songs and hoping to come out with a CD of our own music sometime in the near future,” they say.

“Sibling Rivalry” performs at the Middlesex County Fair from 9 to 1 a.m. Monday. For more on the band, visit them at www.myspace.com/siblingrivalryz.