Exciting new Jam Band Music Class at Des Plaines Park District!

Music enthusiasts and aspiring musicians, get ready to groove to the rhythm of a brand-new Jam Band music class! Starting Thursday, October 19, and continuing for a total of 7 classes from 6:30-8pm, multi-instrumentalist Mick Archer will be leading a 'Jam Band' class. He states, "The title may confuse some people. This is not a class studying the likes of the Grateful Dead, Phish, Blues Traveler or and 'jam band' that is famous for improvising new versions of old songs. This program is about having a small group of musicians at various skill levels learn how to make music out of simple rhythm instruments like bucket drums, boom-wackers and various hand percussion tools, then adding more traditional instruments like guitars and keyboards to create music."

Archer explains, "We have lots of equipment in the Willow Room, which is a teaching studio with 2 full drum sets, 3 keyboards, a bass rig, p.a. system, several guitar amps and lots of hand percussion instruments. This means participants don't need any equipment unless they want to play guitar or ukulele, in which case they need to bring their own instruments."

The focus will be on basic rhythms, scales and chord progressions that can be immediately turned into music without the need for advanced skills. At the end of the session, students will show off what they've created in a recital concert at Prairie Lakes Theater on Sunday, Dec. 10.

This unique new class is held at the Des Plaines Park District's Prairie Lakes Community Center this fall. To register in advance visit DPParks.org or contact Nancy Suwalski, Cultural Arts Manager, at 847-391-5700 with any questions. Want to see what it's all about? Then join us this Thursday, Oct. 19 for the first class to meet Mick and jam! Once you're hooked, day of registration is taken on site for your convenience at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines, 60016.

See www.mickarchermusic.com for Mick Archer's career biography.

For more information about programs and events at the Des Plaines Park District, visit DPParks.org.