Lets Band2gether
A hip, youth-oriented rock concert series, Band2gether, will feature the sounds of talented local musicians of middle school and high school age. This free, outdoor youth concert series, which kicks off this Summer in Lakewood, is expected to draw many people downtown and to give Lakewood’s young musicians an opportunity to showcase themselves. This 8-week series debuts Friday, July 11 and runs through August 29. Mary Anne Crampton, Executive Director of Main Street-LCPI said, “Shops and restaurants will be encouraged to stay open later for the concerts, set to take place from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays at Sinagra Park [on Detroit Avenue -- in front of Marc’s Plaza].”
The goal of this year’s BandTogether concert series is to showcase the talents of young musicians of middle school and high school age, bringing our community together to celebrate our rich talent and diversity. “It will not be the local garage-band variety. It will be a step up,” Chris Vance of Vance Music Studios said. According to Mr. Vance, “It will be music with energy that you can tap your foot to and know well enough to sing along. You will be surprised at how talented our kids are.”
Mainstreet Lakewood, Vance Music Studios and Lakewood is Art (“LIA”) have joined forces to make this event possible along with support from the City of Lakewood, the Beck Center for the Arts and the Lakewood Observer. To gadge more support for the concert series, LIA requested a small grant from Hamburger Helper. In order to further luminate the importance of the event, the group asked members of our community to offer their support for this project directly to Hamberger Helper. Here is just a few of the many, many comments of support that have been received:
“It’s so important to encourage music diversity in a community so rich in spiritual and ethnic diversity. What a wonderful way to accomplish this.” Mary Bond.
“As a parent of high and middle school kids, I am thrilled to hear the talent coming from that age group. It is vitally important that we showcase this ability, not just to spur on the musicians themselves, but to encourage their peers to achieve as well. The positive feedback these kids give each other is tremendous, and to have the community support it, as well, is awsome.” Carolynne.
“Lakewood is going through a re-birth right now. The youth of Lakewood represent a segment of America that is both talented and poised to inherit the future. Band2gether will allow our youth to share their talents with each other and the community. What a great way to express creativity and avoid resorting to destructive means for entertainment. I can't wait for the first concert.” Chris Karel.
“Part of what makes us uniquely American is our music. Young people should indeed be exposed to it in a positive, healthy environment where it can be shared with the community. An all around solid concept...kudos!” Mark Tortorici.
“There are so many wonderful people in Lakewood and it is events like these that bring them all together -- from the very young to the elderly. I am excited to hear their music and to see all the people that come out to support them.” Jean Luehring.
To date, seven bands have completed applications in hopes of being part of this year’s line-up and range from ages 11 through 18. With only another week before auditions, interested bands are encouraged to contact Chris Vance, owner of Vance Music Studios, immediately to have their chance of being part of this hallmark community event. A copy of the Band2gether application can be found on the Vance Music Studios website (www.vancemusicstudios.com) or on the back cover of the last two editions of the Lakewood Observer.
Want to be involved with one of the best events of the Summer? Sponsorships are available for the 2008 Band2gether Concert Series. For anyone interested in supporting this event in some way, contact Ruth Koenigsmark, LIA, at rkoenigsmark@yahoo.com. Additional help is needed to make this event the best it can be for our kids, families and the community.
The goal of this year’s BandTogether concert series is to showcase the talents of young musicians of middle school and high school age, bringing our community together to celebrate our rich talent and diversity. “It will not be the local garage-band variety. It will be a step up,” Chris Vance of Vance Music Studios said. According to Mr. Vance, “It will be music with energy that you can tap your foot to and know well enough to sing along. You will be surprised at how talented our kids are.”
Mainstreet Lakewood, Vance Music Studios and Lakewood is Art (“LIA”) have joined forces to make this event possible along with support from the City of Lakewood, the Beck Center for the Arts and the Lakewood Observer. To gadge more support for the concert series, LIA requested a small grant from Hamburger Helper. In order to further luminate the importance of the event, the group asked members of our community to offer their support for this project directly to Hamberger Helper. Here is just a few of the many, many comments of support that have been received:
“It’s so important to encourage music diversity in a community so rich in spiritual and ethnic diversity. What a wonderful way to accomplish this.” Mary Bond.
“As a parent of high and middle school kids, I am thrilled to hear the talent coming from that age group. It is vitally important that we showcase this ability, not just to spur on the musicians themselves, but to encourage their peers to achieve as well. The positive feedback these kids give each other is tremendous, and to have the community support it, as well, is awsome.” Carolynne.
“Lakewood is going through a re-birth right now. The youth of Lakewood represent a segment of America that is both talented and poised to inherit the future. Band2gether will allow our youth to share their talents with each other and the community. What a great way to express creativity and avoid resorting to destructive means for entertainment. I can't wait for the first concert.” Chris Karel.
“Part of what makes us uniquely American is our music. Young people should indeed be exposed to it in a positive, healthy environment where it can be shared with the community. An all around solid concept...kudos!” Mark Tortorici.
“There are so many wonderful people in Lakewood and it is events like these that bring them all together -- from the very young to the elderly. I am excited to hear their music and to see all the people that come out to support them.” Jean Luehring.
To date, seven bands have completed applications in hopes of being part of this year’s line-up and range from ages 11 through 18. With only another week before auditions, interested bands are encouraged to contact Chris Vance, owner of Vance Music Studios, immediately to have their chance of being part of this hallmark community event. A copy of the Band2gether application can be found on the Vance Music Studios website (www.vancemusicstudios.com) or on the back cover of the last two editions of the Lakewood Observer.
Want to be involved with one of the best events of the Summer? Sponsorships are available for the 2008 Band2gether Concert Series. For anyone interested in supporting this event in some way, contact Ruth Koenigsmark, LIA, at rkoenigsmark@yahoo.com. Additional help is needed to make this event the best it can be for our kids, families and the community.
Volume 4, Issue 9, Posted 6:11 PM, 04.21.2008
