Illusions Hosting KIDS THAT ROCK! – Spring Jam 2011

Wanna rock out in Stow this weekend?

This Saturday, area teenage bands will showcase their musical talents during the KIDS THAT ROCK! – Spring Jam 2011 concert from 6  to 11 p.m. at the Stow Armory, 4630 Allen Rd.

The idea for the rock and roll concert was a result of the Illusions Teen Program, which is led by the , according to Kathy Christ, the Department’s youth coordinator. Illusions allows teens the opportunity to have fun in a safe environment.

“This is unique to us,” said Christ. “A lot of people have done a battle of the bands, and this is a first time for us doing this type of event.”

The teen bands have competed as well as participated in several charitable events including Relay for Life, Relief 4 Japan and the Tinkers Creek Watershed Festival. The KIDS THAT ROCK – Spring Jam concert is a collaborative effort between Stow Youth Services and Jam Session Music School. The event was created to show teens in the area that there are positive outlets for their energy, with one example being music.

Bands performing during the concert include:

Retro, 6 p.m.; Way Past Curfew, 7 p.m.; NoMoJo, 8 p.m.; The Dis-Torts, 9 p.m.; and Chil, 10 p.m.

“This concert shows teens that putting their efforts into something they are passionate about has positive rewards,” said Lynn Beaujon, whose son Eric is lead guitarist for the band Chil.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 at the Stow Police Department or during lunch hours at and . Tickets will also be available for $6 at the event.

Pizza, chips and soft drinks will be sold during the concert. All ages are welcome to attend.

According to Christ, several of the performing groups originated from Jam Session. The school coaches rock and jazz bands and connects kids together to help them form bands and get out and be showcased.

“I think it is a great way to give local teens something to do on a weekend evening,” said Beaujon. “They have a safe, fun environment to hang out with their friends and enjoy some good music put on by their own peers.”

Event sponsor Jam Session Music School is donating the sound systems and organizing much of the efforts. Several of the performing groups originated from Jam Session, according to Christ.

The school coaches rock and jazz bands and connects kids together to help them form bands and get out and be showcased.

Illusions was founded in 1989 by Mayor Karen Fritschel and other local women who were concerned about the lack of activities available for kids in the area.

“These events provide a safe place for teens to go so parents know they are in a good environment,”said Fritschel. “It will be something parents will be comfortable with and kids have fun.”

Funds raised from the event will support additional events and programming for youth.

For ticket information, call 330-689-5860 and for coverage of the event, check back with Stow Patch.