Banker opens the show for Blondie, Creedence

Jonathan Batt, 31, is the youngest banker ever to hold the position of vice president and controller at M&I Bank in Arizona.

He's charged with managing and expanding the multibillion-dollar company.

That's not what caught The Buzz's attention about the Phoenix resident.

The bass-guitar player, a member of a band called Help Me Rhonda, jammed on the same stage as Blondie; Pat Benatar; Earth, Wind & Fire; and Creedence Clearwater Revival last weekend.

The occasion was Milwaukee's Summerfest, which is billed as the world's largest music festival.

"It's been a dream of mine to play there for a long, long time," said Batt, who was raised in Chicago and started playing piano at age 3.

Help Me Rhonda was formed five years ago, and Batt joined about two years later. The name is a nod to the Beach Boys, and the band covers mostly classic rock songs.

Its Summerfest setlist included songs by the Beatles, the Doors and Blondie.

Batt's Milwaukee-based co-workers were used to him approving budgets, expansion plans and business strategies - not rocking out.

"I think music helps you think about things (during the workday) in different lights and different contexts," he said. "It's fun for me when I can take the suit off and put some rock-and-roll clothes on."

Help Me Rhonda has lined up its next gig at a bar in Queen Creek. The band has played at M&I events in the past.

Did Batt meet Blondie's lead singer, Debbie Harry?

No, but it's possible the rock legend heard Help Me Rhonda's rendition of One Way or Another, he said.