"Music on the Knowles" Still Seeking Local Bands

On June 25, the Martinez Unified School District Music Boosters are presenting "Music on the Knowles," an all-day musical event featuring local bands. Martinez Patch spoke with Frances Vaught of the Boosters to find out what's up with the event.

Martinez Patch: What is "Music on the Knowles?"   

Frances Vaught: Music On The Knowles is an idea that I had to give the young music groups in this area a chance to headline their bands in front of a large crowd.  I wanted to give them the feel of what it might be like to fill stadiums like back in our day when we had Day on the Green concerts.

MP: Who are the Maritnez Unified School District Music Boosters? 

FV: Our board consists of a group of concerned parents of current music students that understand the importance of keeping music in our schools.  Our goal is to help raise money to continue to fund the music programs K-12.  We have a strong supporting group of parents that also support this goal.  Currently our Jr. High and High School enrolled student count is over 400 and growing every year.  We want to make sure we have the funds to keep it that way.

MP: What is important about supporting local musicians?   

FV: Because we do have such a great group of local musicians, they have helped set the example of just how important music can be in your life even after high school and college.  These same local musicians continue to mentor the younger up and coming musicians. Many have a two rolls in our community.  Some are music teachers in this district and play locally.  They are full supporters to our cause.
 
MP: Who is lined up so far?  

FV: So far to date, we have from Alhambra High alone:  My Place Or Yours, The Morning After, Brave Ulysses, Surrender Me Faithful, and from College Park we have a solo guitar player/singer named Antonio Silva.  We are currently seeking other local bands that would like this great opportunity to perform and show off their talents  They can send information to our Facebook page at Music On The Knowles.  We plan on making this a yearly event that will continue to grow each and every year.

MP: There is so much music in town - is this a way to showcase the next generation of Martinez musicians?   

FV: Absolutely.  Every time I am either at the Jr. High or High School I come away feeling so proud that this community has such a talented group of kids.  What these kids are learning and doing is just amazing.  And that is why we have to work so hard to make sure programs like these are available to all kids.  Without music at elementary level they would not know what is in store for them at the higher grades.  There are so many kids in this program that their parents never played an instrument and they, the student, has gone on to become an amazing musician.  We could go on forever on just what music can do for students.  From test scores in math and science to just having a place to belong. 

MP: How can people find out more information about the concert? Where can they get tickets?   

FV: Interested people can go to our Facebook page at Music On The Knowles to find the latest information about the concert.  This is also where interested bands can leave a link.  Tickets are $20 for all day and are only sold at the gate that day.  We are really hoping to sell out the house at 1200 people.  Kinders will be there for some of the day, Kettle Corn and other food providers will be there also.   We really hope to see our community come out and enjoy a great day of music and support our kids in the area.