great evening at the tap room, a classic no-frills, neighborhood bar in nearby ypsilanti
i went there with a family whose sons i’ve taught and stayed close to as they’ve grown.
the night was organized by alex and his wife who own the ann arbor music center
and the rock band school for children and musicians of all ages
alex is a powerful musician in his own right, who plays, teaches, and builds guitars.
he works with local businesses and festivals to give his young bands a chance to play real gigs around town.
on this night, the place was standing room only, kids sat in front of the stage, and musician, theo katzman
stopped by to support the kids in the bands, and sat with the young fans on the floor.
a’s band was amazing. everyone in it is 9-10 years old and played their hearts out.
a is on keyboards and his beloved teacher played with them and is the vocalist.
tonight we heard them play green day, cheap trick, and beatles.
and it was a musical wonder.
there were photogs, and fans, and musicians, and families, and joy all around.
and the kids were so proud.
but none was so proud as alex.
–
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I didn't have my glasses on.... 
Alex looks like a cool rocker, what fun to hang out in a place like this, the atmosphere would be wonderful, with all the young ones playing as well and Alex standing proud. Nice post once again :-)
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yes, it was nice for everyone and thanks, jen )
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Looks like a great place to have some fun, and I’m so happy the kids enjoy music at such a young age!
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it was a great place and everyone had a bit of fun, topaz )
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What a great story. What a great day!
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it was, java and thanks )
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Looks like fun…good for him for what he does! Music and creativity are so important!
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yes, i agree, sue )
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Nice, and I love the quote, which fits in perfectly with this post.
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thanks and i think it was a good match )
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The rock school idea is so good for so many, Beth. There are summer sessions at an art house here in Syracuse called Rock Camp, same principal as Alex’s bright mission. Your photos show how much fun it was for generations to mingle to the magic of music from the 60s made by musicians born in the 00s. Thanks for going to Ypsilanti to discover it.
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it is such a good thing, mark, i agree. it was great on so many levels and i was so proud of the littles )
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What a wonderful thing they have going on. Helping kids, giving them experience. Just fabulous.
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yes, it’s really a win win for everyone har )
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Too cool !!!
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it was great )
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Thx Beth C;
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Delightful! What a fun night :)
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thanks, it was!
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meraki – that’s me!!!
Thanks for your great photos, inspiration and visits.
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happy you enjoyed it, and it is you jules )
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I adore this post!! Pictures were fabulous and the story they tell is even better. :) May I please steal (aka borrow with love) this word for an upcoming Wednesday post??
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thanks and and feel free to borrow away with love.
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I love this. You often present such beautiful material, and despite the cynical silliness I write (and which you’re always so kind to read), these are the stories that help us remember life is full of joys, not just frustrations. What a great opportunity for those kids!
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aw, thanks. i think life is full of ups and downs and try to enjoy the ups as i find them. it is life changing for some of the kids who struggle in other areas in their lives.
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I am so excited that this program, which you know the members of, has been teaching and helping the kids to really enjoy music for years! I am a big fan of music, the groups they were playing the music of, along with the crowd of people of all ages, sounds like an awesome night! Fun, rocking and I enjoyed it all, vicariously through you, Beth! Thanks!
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you are most welcome, robin )
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I need an evening like this very soon, Beth. :)
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yes, you are way overdue )
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The definition of ‘meraki’ sums up your post so well. Great thought!
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thank you )
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Cool!
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it really was, thanks d )
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Lovely. Music and kids… what a great combination!
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they are )
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Aw, I’ve only been to Ypsilanti a couple of times. I need to explore it more.
(I admit my reaction when I first visited was to look around and declare, “Aw, sweet, Ann Arbor has its own Brooklyn”, which delighted my brother-in-law, who’s gone from Ann Arbor to Brooklyn.)
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yes, it’s different, and it has it’s huge challenges, but there are some gems sprinkled throughout the city )
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Nice to see someone giving something back to the younger generation, Beth.
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it is, michael. it really is.
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really great pictures! so clear–like I could reach into them. Sounds like fun was had by all–and that new word you “gave” us is amazing! Duly noted–and I am on my way to research it a bit further. To integrate/assimilate–and use!! Hope your conferencing goes well, ksBeth. :)
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happy you enjoyed it, i love the word too. i’m on a break right now, in between chats and so far, all good )
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so much fun!
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thanks, liz. it was )
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Alex looks the part alright
and hey is there any heavy
metal in there? :)
Well I only asked…
Great posting Beth :)
Andro xxxx
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oh, indeed there is, andro. sometimes it’s black sabbath and metallica. they do it all ) and thanks –
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Brilliant I like the sound of that :)
Andro xxxx
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)
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I hope more programs like this one open up around the world. There’s nothing like teaching children creativity for it keeps the imagination open and the possibilities endless. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story!
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i agree. my pleasure. and thank you for reading and following ) beth
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