Recent Youth Council event offered a feel for the future

Once again the Rockville Centre Youth Council and local businesses teamed up to host a successful event for local teens — a Coffee House/Open Mic Night on April 29. More than 35 teens came together at Revolution Yoga on N. Village Avenue to listen to a jam session by members of South Side High School’s Jazz Club and other teen musicians. Attendees munched on delicious food generously donated by Front Street Bakery, Bialystok and Bloom and Blue Ribbon Farms. Jeanne Mulry also supplied a box of pastries from Roe’s Casa Dolce.

This event was important for the Youth Council because it had the same feel as what the council envisions as its ultimate goal — a permanent teen center for Rockville Centre youth. Members of the council’s board believe that if there was a center for them, local teens would go to that safe facility to engage in fun activities while hanging out with their friends — instead of choosing to wander the streets late at night. The “adult supervision” at the Open Mic event consisted of just one or two adults — dedicated members of the RVC Youth Council and the owner of Revolution Yoga. It was truly great to see teens come out to support their friends who were performing.

At tables provided by Revolution Yoga. visitors listened as the jazz band and other young musicians played live music that ranged from songs like Usher’s “OMG” to classical violin pieces. They casually chatted about their school week and weekend plans. Any nerves the performers might have had were eased by the laid back atmosphere.

“This was my first time performing live. It was a really good first show,” said James Scott, a member of the Jazz Club. “I didn’t feel a lot of pressure performing in front of everyone. It was a really nice, easygoing venue and it was a pleasure to perform there. I wish there were more opportunities like this.”

The performers showcased their talents on instruments ranging from an acoustic guitar, to a harmonica, to drums and a violin. “It was really fun singing songs in front of my peers that everyone else could sing along to. This event definitely made me more interested in the Youth Council,” said Kelsey McCabe, another performer at the event.