Performed by
The Returnables

Vocals: Cameron Clogston
Guitar: Ty Hill
Bass: Ian Crane
Drums: Dominic Clish

The Dancers: Danielle Drake-Flam, Corinne Polakowsk, Karmyn Polakowski, Noelle Polakowski, Abbie Orr, Renqing Wu

Vocals: Maria Sliva; Guitar: Grant Scharfenberg, Schuyler Vercauteren, Henry Ashburn;  Keyboards: Anna Daavettila; Bass: Aaron Posega, Drums: Dylan Borel; Tamborine: Destiny Walstrom

We stopped by and visited The Dirkside this morning and a few of our campers performed live on the radio… have a listen!

Ben from The Adventures of Dryell and Friends …

Moxie…

Right from the very start I have been calling this year’s Rock Camp a big experiment because, as far as I know, nobody has ever tried anything like it in our local community.  Sure, we are calling it a “2nd annual” event, but in reality, there is very little in common between the 2009 and 2010 camps.

Rock Camp 2010 - Rozsa filling up for the final show

The focus of the 2009 program was to bring talented young musicians together to form a backup band for PJ Olsson’s performance at the annual Houghton Spring Art and Music Festival.  The kids were organized into a single huge band that learned and rehearsed every song together as a group.  We had something like 12 guitarist in that single band, we called it our “guitar storm.”  Hop back to 2009.pjsrockcamp.com to see what I’m talking about.

Rock Camp 2009 - Every camper in one big band backing PJ

Although this was a very cool experience for the kids and a ton of fun, it had the distinct disadvantage of lumping all kids together into one large mass regardless of their age, skill level, musical interests, etc.  In other words, kids didn’t haven an opportunity to shine as individuals, not like you can in a 4 piece band.

Rock Camp 2010 - Band "PAR42" Performing on Rozsa Stage

Another important distinction is that last years camp was completely free to the kids. Good Times Music, having a solid base of talented young musicians who receive lessons on a periodic basis, was able to provide PJ with many great kids that were perfect for the job.

What budget we did have for covering costs like T-Shirts for the kids and advertising came from generous donations of many sponsors who believed in what we were doing with the kids.

Rock Camp 2010 - "The Adventures of Deryl" and Friends" on stage

I use the term “we” loosely here because I was more volunteering to run the sound and stage for the Copper Country Community Art Center’s festival more than working with PJ on a “Rock Camp”.

As the stage manager for the Festival, I quickly realized what a challenge it was going to be to put 18 kids on a stage, so I started working logistics and technical issues with PJ.  Over the weeks of the camp, working side by side, PJ and I worked well together and became great friends, which is how I came to fall in love with Rock Camp.

Rock Camp 2009 - PJ & Todd Tweaking

Quickly realizing the potential of a Rock Camp, Jessie (my wife) and I threw the modest resources of Brassard Media into marketing the “Rock Camp” creating a logo, posters, a Facebook page, press releases, working with the CCCAC and the Downtown Houghton businesses to pull a large audience to cheer the kids on at the festival.  Most importantly we created a Rock Camp BLOG and posted videos daily showing the kids progress (big thanks to King and Jake for shooting much of the video and Ray Bosley for taking a ton of photos for the blog).

The community outpouring to support the kids in the 2009 show was simply incredible.  The 2009 Festival was a huge success with the PJ Olsson and the Rock Camp headlining and filling the streets of Downtown Houghton with fans.

Rock Camp 2009 - Fans line the streets of Downtown Houghton

Watching PJ work with the kids was a wonderful experience.  He poured so much of his love of children and music into the campers.  He was a teacher, a parent, and a friend to each of them.  He took so much pride in their growth and accomplishments.  I learned a lot from PJ last year and continue learning from him this year – especially in how to confront kids when necessary.

Rock Camp 2010 - The Returnables

Rock Camp 2010 - The Rozsa Stage bright with lights and music

When we finally came around to talking about the 2010 Rock Camp.  We decided to break the kids up in to separate smaller bands group together by musical interest.  We also had a secret weapon, Kenny Stahl.  Kenny was not only a very talented singer/songwriter/engineering, he was a great planner, organizer, and manager of anything you put in front of him.

Rock Camp 2010 - Kenny Stall performing his original Glory, Glory

We faced many unknowns with the 2010 Rock Camp.  We didn’t know if parents would pay a registration fee, or where 7 drums sets would come from, or how we would feed 35 kids, or how much talent the kids would bring to the camp, or if anyone would even come to the final show.  Despite the unknowns we decided to go for it and run the big experiment, could a rock camp be successful in our community.

Rock Camp - Moxie performing "Let Yourself Shine"

If you’ve been following the rock camp over the past few weeks, I’m pretty sure you know by now that everyone came through for the kids and our community.   The Rock Camp was hair raising and challenging at times, but the sponsors, parents, supporters, and kids were all perfect, especially the Rozsa Center opening its many, many doors to the program.

Rock Camp 2010 - Panic at the Mourge - Joe Solo

We have learned tons this year and we’re getting together tonight about what worked, what didn’t work, and where to take this program.  Its was an experiment that was successful.  The next question is “Where do we go from here?”

Here are a few quotes:

“I am so proud of what Rock Camp has become this year. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it. The Copper Country is a richer place because of this. These kids were given opportunities they NEVER would have had, were it not for PJ.  Rock Camp has my heart and soul behind it forever and always. Let’s keep this up!!” - Hannah Bethel

–

“Undoubtedly a great event. At times it was difficult to tell who was happier to be there…the kids or the audience. PJ and his crew have truly started something that should last for years to come.” – Dirk Hembroff

–

“We were thrilled by the community support! We sent out customer satisfaction surveys today and the results started to come back in a matter of minutes. The message we are getting is loud and clear, everyone wants to rock the Rozsa again next year!” – Susanna Brent, Director of Rozsa Center

–

“Pj’s Rock Camp is a terrific opportunity for our kids to come together and make their music in a professional yet comfortable environment.  It’s not school, it’s work.  But one of the most important lessons these kids learn is that good things are worth working for.  Can’t say enough about the great work and dedication provided by Todd, Kenny, Hannah, Mark, and PJ.  What a strong foundation upon which to build future Rock Camps!” – Milt Olsson

–

“Powerful, powerful!  What a gift you have given to the community  PJ!!!!!  Thank you, thank you.  I was blown away last night by what  you all accomplished.  I wasn’t expecting to feel it like that—– that music-induced condition that you feel when you hear something that really connects with your brain-where the music just takes you over-no escape, pure pleasure.  That happened.  What a load of talent!!!  Sal got so much out of the camp—FUN, self- confidence, new friends, knowledge, and desire to keep going, do more, sing it, play it.  Please pass this on to Todd and Kenny and thank you again for all of your efforts-you guys are the best!  Also thanks to Tam because I know it takes a support staff at home.  Thanks Tam!” – Wendy

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“Magic was in the air, and in all the kids’ performances! I broke into tears six times during the night, witnessing such a great display of talent! Let’s continue to support these kids by embracing their musical future!” – Peej

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“Now THAT was a ROCK CONCERT!” – Todd

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Complete set of Mark Riutta final show photos here!

Vocals: Madison Royea; Guitar: Grant Scharfenberg, Schuyler Vercauteren, Henry Ashburn;  Keyboards: Anna Daavettila; Bass: Aaron Posega, Drums: Dylan Borel

Vocals: Destiny Walstrom, Vivienne Kalio; Guitar: Grant Scharfenberg, Schuyler Vercauteren, Henry Ashburn;  Keyboards: Anna Daavettila; Bass: Aaron Posega, Drums: Dylan Borel

HOUGHTON – Sweet harmonies and Cookie Monster growls. Piano ballads and techno rave-ups.

It all fit comfortably into Saturday’s concluding performance of PJ Olsson’s second annual Rock Camp, which drew a large and enthusiastic crowd at the Rozsa Center Saturday.

“I’m in infinity right now, in my mind and in space,” Olsson, the camp’s creative director, said after the show. “It’s absolutely wonderful. I could not be prouder of the kids.”

The youth musicians and dancers performed 40 numbers over a three-hour span, mixing originals and covers.

Wynter Bethel sang lead on “Stairway to Heaven” and gave a solo piano performance of her own song, “Pink Floyd.”

“Music is one of my passions,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons it’s so much fun to do this, collaborating with other musicians who like this as much as I do.”

Many of the players popped up in different configurations throughout the night, hop-scotching genres in the process.

“It was tough for a little while, until I had all the songs down,” said Aaron Posega, who played bass on several songs. “It wasn’t that bad.”

The Adventures of Derryl and Friends went from Panic! At the Disco to Lady Gaga in the span of three songs; Caitlin Polakowski followed up her hazy “Star Trance” with the uptempo dance number “Let Yourself Shine,” complete with background dancing.

PJ Olsson closed out the main set by accompanying his daughter Sofia on a cover of Miley Cyrus’ “Butterfly Fly Away.”

He returned shortly thereafter for the Verve’s “Bittersweet Symphony,” a performance that grew in waves until the entire camp was assembled onstage.

Afterward, audience members enthused about the performances.

“It’s amazing,” said Cindy Drake of Stanton Township, whose daughter danced in the show. “Fabulous. Very talented, hard-working kids. I was floored.”

So were the campers.

“It’s a little bittersweet that it’s all over,” Bethel said. “It’s been a fun two weeks.”

Tentative plans for next year include adding a tech camp, Olsson said. Alan Parsons has already expressed an interest in coming out, he said, as have other well-known musicians.

“Now that we know the relationship works so well with the Rozsa Center, we’re hoping we can really springboard off that,” he said.

Garrett Neese can be reached at gneese@mininggazette.com.

HOUGHTON — They can strum the guitar, sing and beat the drums with the best of them, but these talented musicians are only kids.

Rock camp kids to be exact.

And they’ve been practicing hard for the past two weeks to prepare for this weekend’s big show.

“Our area is very vibrant with talent,” says Rock Camp Creator P.J. Olsson.  “One of the things I really hope is that if we can do this year by year the music scene will become more youth oriented.”

Before taking the stage, these rockers spent hours in the classroom learning more about their instruments and music theory.

They got to know one another and formed bands according to their stylistic similarities.

“My friends at school don’t enjoy the same things as me,” says Caitlin Polakowski.  “So I’ve gotten to meet a bunch of people who like music and it’s been so much fun to share it with each other.”

The camp culminates in a public concert being held at the Rozsa Center Saturday night.

There’ll be 33 different songs performed by acts that range from solo singer-songwriters to heavy metal bands.

“My favorite part is playing with my friends,” says Connor Nwill.  “When we nail the song it feels amazing.  I can’t even describe it.”

If you want to catch them in concert tickets are still available.

The show starts at 7:30.

Join us at the East Houghton Park on Sunday, August 15, at 3PM for a Rock Camp picnic.  Bring a dish for passing and something to drink.  Hot dogs and vegan dogs will be supplied.  Glass bottles are not allowed in the park.  Bring a guitar or drum so we can do a little jamming!

Vocals: Claudia Hinsdale, Hannah Bethel, Madison Royea; Guitar: Grant Scharfenberg, Schuyler Vercauteren, Henry Ashburn;  Keyboards: Anna Daavettila; Bass: Aaron Posega, Drums: Dylan Borel

Anyway… hopefully will have some photos and video of the show up shortly.  We had a lot of great people donating their time and talent to get photos and video.

Great job campers!  Who wants to help PJ, Kenny, and me tear down and load-out of the Rozsa tomorrow at 2PM?  Send me an e-mail if you want to help out … toddbrassard@brassardmedia.com … or just show up … we need help!

- Todd

Here’s a group photo taken by Mark Riutta of the kids fat from a big lunch just before our final rehearsal.

The Box Office at the Rozsa says tickets are moving, but we still need to fill more seats.  If you are reading this, please come to the show!  Serious, if you love music, it’s a great show.  If you are already coming to the show, call a friend or two, help us fill up the Rozsa for these kids and break the Rozsa attendance record for a summer performance.

We have a new video that really captures the energy and spirit of our final rehearsal.  A huge thank you to Jeff “King” Frenette for sharing his talent with us all.  Check out King’s videos here on Vimeo.com.

One of my favorite videographers, King, stopped by the rehearsal and shot a some footage.  Here is the video he through together – I’m loving it!

The big final Rock Camp Concert is tomorrow!  Hope to see you there!