The Lakewood Project Still Rockin' Ten Years Later

When Beth Hankins, Lakewood High School orchestra director, took her kids on a field trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, little did she know that it would be a turning point in her life, and the lives of her students.  She came
away from that workshop on electric strings convinced she had a new way to connect with yet more kids, and threw herself into planning, organizing and recruiting students for the nation's first high school rock orchestra.  Their first concert, just months after the group's inception, was a sold-out event at the Rock Hall.

Now, ten years later, the group still thrives, thrilling audiences with their performances.  Their biggest audience consists of thousands of people annually.  A Lakewood tradition was created when the summer Rock On Camp, which prepares middle schoolers for the high school program, culminates in a 4th of July concert at Lakewood Park leading up to the fireworks.

Saturday's concert at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium will see more than 40 Lakewood Project alumni returning to play with the current rock orchestra.  Many have gone on to pursue careers in music.  Tickets for the 7:30 concert, $10, can be purchased at the door.  

Following the concert from 9:30 p.m. - 1:00 a.m. is a celebration at Rozi's, 14900 Detroit.  Tickets for the after-party are $15, and can be purchased at the door, cash or check.