Four bands back Arlington Hts. music school that launched them
Power pop girl band Serendipity headlines a lineup of up-and-coming bands that are gathering in support of the place where they were born - The El Rey Music Center.
The free showcase from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Peggy Kinnane's in Arlington Heights will also include young bands that have already experienced some local success - Cadence, Breaking Ice and Chapter 1.
The bands and the families of their members are organizing the event to honor and heighten awareness for The El Rey Music Center, the Arlington Heights music school that shaped their love of learning and performing live music.
Admission is free. The event is perfect for younger musicians looking to learn more about improving their own skills and learning more about the music business.
The El Rey Music Center has been producing musical talent in the Northwest suburbs for more than 60 years.
The family-run music school started in 1947 and currently is owned by Bill Manglaris and his wife, Sue. The school employs professional musicians to teach guitar, vocals, keyboards, bass and drums. In addition to traditional music lessons, students perform several times a year at local clubs and events.
As students progress, Manglaris and his staff use their assessment of compatibility and talent to group them in bands, which he will prepare for their early live performances.
Several of these bands have gone on to perform regularly in the area. Serendipity has performed hundreds of shows at various venues and festivals across the Midwest.
El Rey's newest additions, Breaking Ice (eighth- and ninth-grade students) and Cadence (high school age musicians) were established in June 2014 and are already playing regularly at local clubs and venues.
Each band will perform a 45-minute set at Peggy Kinnane's, 8 N. Vail.
Information about the school, 1335 E. Davis St., will be available at the event or call (847) 577-7654. For information on Serendipity, contact Eric Blomquist, (224) 409-8548 or eric.blomquist@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/serendipitychicago; for Breaking Ice, Bob Buehler, (847) 666-8653 or bob@buehler-family.com; for Breaking Ice, www.facebook.com/BreakingIceBand.