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Great Finds - Local Teens Invited to Perform at Third Friday Concerts
June, 2007 - Issue #32
In a valley where sports, shopping and small businesses prevail, there is a monthly event in our local community that is causing quite the buzz. Third Friday concerts have surprised the residents of Santa Clarita with their success, but have been a long-awaited solution for the increasing number of musically-gifted local youth.

Guitarist front-man for artists such as Avril Lavigne, Kelly Osbourne and Ashley Parker Angel, the talented Devin Bronson was a musical pioneer as he grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley. He started joining local bands at the age of 13 and after graduating from high school, he started auditioning for well-known performers. Even after traveling the world, one thing this performer, song writer and music instructor would like to see happen is music made readily available to the youth living in the SCV. "While athletics are huge, I would love to see a music venue established for kids of all ages," says Bronson.

It looks as if Devin's long-time wish has become a reality. The combined efforts of the City of Santa Clarita staff along with Higher Level productions lead to making Third Friday a city-wide phenomenon.

Held on the third Friday of every month at the Activities Center inside the Sports Complex in Canyon Country, this monthly event regularly draws over 300 youth as well as some of their parents. The music played at these concerts range from rock to hip-hop and the venue provides a safe, controlled environment for both the artists and fans to enjoy.

A little over a year ago, the city turned the monthly Third Friday events over to a local production company that is responsible for the planning and finished product of over 100 local concerts. Higher Level Productions, started by Bret and Kevin Lieberman, has molded Third Friday into a fresh monthly music extravaganza that is much more than just a place for musicians to perform for their peers.

At $8 a ticket with a flyer or $10 at the door, fans can see their favorite band as well as discover new talent for the price of a school lunch. Each concert hosts three or four bands and encourages them to gather all of their friends and family.

"Young people have to PRESEVERE and really make the effort to pursue their DREAMS,"
~ Devon Bronson
Bret Lieberman grew up playing in bands in Santa Clarita but found it frustrating to entice his friends and fans from his hometown to travel to Hollywood or further to watch him perform at a music venue. Many of the musicians in the SCV can relate to this problem and are relieved to have a place so close to home to perform. Third Fridays not only showcase the artist's talent for their peers, but well-known recording industry professionals have been known to attend the events for the purpose of scouting local talent. Bands such as Scenic Attraction have been able to raise enough money at Third Fridays to fund tours around the country, too.

For any parents who are concerned or just curious about the happenings at Third Friday concerts, Higher Level has said that they strongly encourage them to check it out first hand. Each concert typically draws from 20 to 30 parents and gives them the chance to witness the positive atmosphere that Third Friday provides for their children. Every base is covered. The city provides a full staff to ensure safety and oversee details for each performance. The performance time, starting at 8 p.m. with the last band performing at 10 p.m., makes it convenient for parents to drop off or pick up their kids.

For artists like Devin Bronson, seeing the music scene growing in Santa Clarita is a dream come true. As for advice to aspiring musicians, singers, or songwriters, Devin has stated that while it "takes a lot of practice and requires a love of music to succeed, young people have to persevere and really make the effort to pursue their dreams." Now that the positive opportunities available at Third Friday concerts are multiplying rapidly, pursuing those dreams is easier than ever.

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Bands who wish to take part in Third Friday concerts can contact Higher Level Productions by calling 296-8751. Send press packets or demos to Higher Level Productions at 28235 Shelter Cove in Saugus, CA 91350. Visit www.higherlevelshows.com for concert dates and more.
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