For anyone who’s every worried about their child going to a rock concert, Mercer County Community College presents a remarkable alternative. All through the year, the college hosts monthly rock shows for kids of all ages — and adults — in the the student center featuring local bands. The next show is Saturday, April 17, with the bands Shattering Elysium, Unamed, Bigger Than Plastic, Found on the Floor, and Satori. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., the music begins at 6 p.m., and the show runs until approximately 11 p.m.
Snacks and drinks (no alcoholic beverages) are served — and the program includes a charity component. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Operation Smile, a not-for-profit organization of medical professionals who travel to developing countries to provide free reconstructive surgery to children with facial deformities. An additional charity component to the shows benefits the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen —attendees who bring a donation of canned food receive a $2 discount off the $5 admission.
According to Tobia Buckle, chairperson for the shows, the programs have raised close to $2,”200 in 2004. “The shows are for all ages — we’ve had 14-year-olds as well as faculty members.” Buckle recommends that children under the age of 13 be accompanied by an adult. “This is one of the few places that parents are guaranteed that their kids will be in a secure environment.” The monthly concert series wraps up this school year with a Friday, May 7, concert and will resume in September.
Joseph Halsey, the bass guitarist and vocalist for Bigger Than Plastic, which performs at 7:30 p.m., is also a professional actor — who landed the role of Bill in an upcoming episode of “Law and Order,” which will air on Wednesday, April 21, at 10 p.m. on NBC.
“Most of the time we play clubs and we don’t get to play for the underage crowd,” Halsey says. “They are our best audience. They are the most attentive as they are there for the music not to drink.”
Rock show for all ages, Mercer County Community College Student Center, Saturday, April 17, 5:30 p.m. $5. For more information call 609-586-4800, ext. 3212.
