Penn students looking for something fun to do this weekend should look no further than Festival Pier where one of their own, College junior Stevie Roberts, will be playing alongside the Dropkick Murphys, Less than Jake, Goldfinger, Westbound Train, Suburban Legends and other School of Rock All-stars.
The School of Rock Festival will take place this weekend, June 27-29 and will showcase the cream of the crop from the 41 national Schools of Rock along with more famous bands.
According to Roberts, it's sometimes difficult to manage a Penn education and playing in a rock band, but it's all worth it.
"Something religious happens when we are on stage," wrote Roberts in an e-mail. "There will never be anything like playing in front of a live audience of sweaty, screaming kids shouting your lyrics."
According to Paul Green, Penn alumus and School of Rock founding president, students learn best by doing and music is no exception.
After enrollment in the School of Rock, students are immediately thrown into action, performing in their first show within three months. They play on stages with other professional rock bands at real venues - like Festival Pier.
Roberts' band, El Fuego, was created by School of Rock alum Joe Reno when his former band, The War's End, broke up. Reno became interested in music at an early age, influenced by his parents who were both into music.
He reminisced about his dad playing some of the old rock-and-roll vinyl records that he said inspired him.
Reno said he is constantly writing music, drawing inspiration from bands and musicians such as Bob Dylan, the Clash, the Who and others. For subject matter, he said he turns to his everyday experiences - the good times, the rough times - "trying to stay positive in a world full of negativity."
As for the shows this weekend, Reno said he is just looking to have a good time. Some of his friends' bands will be playing, a high turnout is expected and he says that, ever since his first show, there is just no beating the feeling of performing in live shows.
"I always knew that music is all I could do, all that I wanted to do," said Reno.
For passionate musicians like Reno and Roberts, the Philadelphia School of Rock offers an opportunity to learn how to play from real musicians at real venues and to network with other musicians.
"The School of Rock Festival is not just for kids. It's for people who love music, great bands and great kids playing the greatest music of all time," said Green.
Tickets are available at the door for $35 or online at sorfest.com for $30. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the shows start at 12 p.m.
