Five hundred dollars: that's what they need. Five hundred and twelve dollars and seventy-two cents: that's what they make from their concert in Missy's barn. Popcorn is on the way!

But will the group be able to cut a demo at famous Long View Farm Studio? And will a record company be impressed enough to sign them up?

Twelve-year-old Mark Newman, Popcorn's leader and keyboard player, has dreamed about it so much that it seems real. His friends—Missy, on drums, and Richard, on guitar—are not so sure.

But applause carries them—applause, hard work, and the encouragement of Roger, Mark's martial arts instructor. When Popcorn plays, Mark doesn't even think about Joel "The Troll" Hanson who is waiting in the wings to demolish him. When Popcorn plays, people smile. And though Missy's rock hero, the great Lance Follinsbee, may dodge the press and his fans in New York's Central Park, Popcorn wouldn't dream of it! They go for the top.