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You Don't Have to Look Too Hard
Local Rock Music Scene GrowsYou Don't Have to Look Too Hard
So, the Rock Academy has moved the shows to Warrenton for now. But there are alternatives.
One of the best kept local music secrets is not really a secret at all. In fact, it's pretty well-known amongst Orange County High School students that on Friday nights The Art Center in Orange hosts Orange Jam. Conceived by Wendy and Sheldon Weibe with John Keifer of Orange Music Company and Terry Connell of the Art Center, Orange Jam is a second-floor heaven for all that rocks just due-south of Culpeper.
Situated just above the Art Center, the large square room has eons of space, with a small stage kitty-cornered at the front right section. The Jam couldn't be more comfortable, with loads of cushy couches and chairs, along with a billiards table and another air-hockey type game table that seemed to be surrounded by kids all night. It's got that warm, cozy feel to it that invites the first-time visitor in and encourages them to kick their shoes off.
You want some hot chocolate with that?
Sheldon Weibe works the PA system and mix for the young - and not so young - bands who fill the room with soaring guitar riffs and heavy drum and bass back beats. While Sheldon tends to the bands, his wife Wendy works the door and the crowd and keeps everything running smoothly. There is additional door and sound help from their two teens.
As the former headmaster at the Rock Academy, I was warmly-greeted by many of the local OJ kids and immediately felt right at home. Sheldon went out of his way to introduce himself and Wendy - despite having her hands full - took some time to explain things to me. Being back in that warm, artistic environment was a mixed bag of emotions for me -- making me feel like the Rock Academy had been shut down for months rather than just weeks.
The evening was far less hectic than any of those Rock Academy nights. The Weibes just sort of roll the bands on stage as they are ready. They don't seem to be hurried at all and the band members almost seem to drift to their places.... ever... so.... slowly. Suddenly, and with little fanfare or introduction, there's music playing!
(I laughed with some of the kids who'd attended my Culpeper shows about how I'd be yelling at the bands if they'd taken that much time getting started at the old Rock Academy.)
So, what is it? From their website at http://orangejamunderground.com/ :
"Orange Jam was started so that musicians who are already playing complete songs and also beginning to arrange music with other musicians, have a place to come together.
If you are just beginning or have not yet begun, but desire to play, please feel free to ask for direction on how to get started. If you are wanting to get into music, we would be interested in getting you on the right track so you may join Orange jam as a musician."
The bands I watched were definitely a mixed bag - from the somewhat shy rock newbs to the heavy-duty, experienced thrash of Orange's "In Vein" metal band.
Finally, like any music venue that caters to kids, OJ needs a little help:
Orange jam is a great place for kids of all ages to hang out even if you are only there to socialize and enjoy the music. With this in mind, the Orange jam is always in need of equipment. If your family has any equipment such as amps, drums, guitars or any other equipment and would consider donating to Orange jam, we are most grateful.
Hmmm... I think Orange Jam could really use a MySpace page, so kids can see who's playing on any given Friday night. Other than that, who cares? Any trip out there is bound to bring you some clean, fun entertainment, and at 3 bucks admission, you can't go wrong.
Orange Jam is worth the trip out if you're an out of towner. Have no fears about being a stranger - the people and music will make you feel right at home.
Got any marshmallows with that?
ROCK NEWS:
If you really love rock music, then you probably caught a few - or all - of the episodes of the Fox television's reality series, The Next Great American Band, which aired this past fall. One band that really caught my attention was Clearwater, Florida's 60s-style powerpop group TRES BIEN! (Yep, the exclamation point i part of their name.)
I actually found myself voting for these guys in "Tres Bien!" like some star-stuck American Idol-watching teenager. They were that good.
As luck would have it, you can actually see TRES BIEN! this Saturday night at Warrenton's In Motion Sports at 615 Falmouth Street. Tickets are $10 for adults and only $5 for 10 and unders. The show starts at 7pm with Culpeper teen band, 4th Degree Burn.
The 60-ish pop sound will entertain all the tainted ol' geezers like myself, while the cool rock moves and fresh, chiseled rockstar look of the band will woo the teens and tweenies.
I'll see you there!
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