Youth Empowerment through Arts & Humanities (YEAH) and the folks that bring you Nashville’s “Best New Music Camp for Kids,” the Tennessee Teens Rock and Roll Camp, present their first Rock Block Showcase of 2011.

Running two sessions simultaneously, one in Murfreesboro and one in Nashville, students in both Block programs spend eight-week sessions learning how to play music by participating in their own rock band.

Participants are between the ages of 10 and 17, some with no prior experience, while others are recurring students of other Rock Block sessions and/or YEAH programs, such as TNTRC.
 
Rock Block’s mission is to “provide a safe space where kids can explore their creative potential, create an artistic culture that fosters self-esteem through collaborative learning, and to empower kids to use their talents to create positive social change in their communities.”

Having spent two months learning about musicianship and songwriting, all bands will perform original songs and some a few familiar covers.

There’s a good chance you’ll hear Judas Priest and The Beatles. One of the Nashville Rock Block bands even includes Cortney Tidwell’s sons, Eli and Hunter, pounding out punk rock in the vein of The Pixies and Sebadoh.

The first showcase will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 26. at The Walnut House in Murfreesboro, 116 North Walnut St.

The second showcase will be at 8 p.m. March 4 at The End in Nashville, 2219 Elliston Place.

Both showcases cost $7, will feature every band in both programs and will welcome kids and adults of all ages. Each showcase features support from one local rock band as headliner. Teen punk rock band, Kiddo, will play The End, while A Secret Policeman’s Ball will play The Walnut House.
 
For additional information on Nashville Rock Block or Murfreesboro Rock Block, visit www.nashvillerockblock.org and www.murfreesbororockblock.org.

For more information on Youth Empowerment Through Arts & Humanities, including their summer rock and roll camps, visit www.yeahintheboro.org.

For other information on this event, contact YEAH’s Music Department Director Katie Blankenship at 615-796-9027 or tntrockcamp@gmail.com.