The New Year brings new goals, and why not it make this years’ goal to “Raise Cool Kids”?  The Rock & Roll Arts Academy, the North Shore’s newest and hippest rock clubhouse for children, four months to 13 years, is launching its year long “Raising Cool Kids Contest” during its Open House Jam Sessions January 19^th through 21^st.

Families are invited to bring their little ‘rock star’ (or stars) to the Rock & Roll Arts Academy, located in the lower level of the Highland Park Community House at 1991 Sheridan Road, to make music videos on-site (for free) to see if they can take home the title of Coolest Kids on the North Shore.  The videos will be uploaded (via YouTube) to the Rock & Roll Arts Academy Facebook Page, where the video with the most ‘LIKES’ by January 27^th at 5pm, will win a free ‘Birthday Party that Rocks!’ complete with private live concert ($400 value), and the title of January’s “Coolest Kid on the North Shore!” Videos will be shot on a first come first serve basis throughout the Open House on Thursday and Friday from 3-7pm and Saturday from 11am-4pm.

The contest will run throughout the year with monthly music topic themes such as February - love songs, March – Irish Rock (think U2), April – rain songs, May – songs for mom, June – songs for dad, etc.  The contest will culminate with a Coolest Kids Rock-Off against the 12 monthly winners.

The Open House will offer families an opportunity to drop in for jam sessions that will showcase the range of music programs designed to introduce and educate children to the musical global arts community by celebrating rock & roll, reggae, blues and folk music. This FREE interactive three-day event will encourage children and their parents to rock their hearts out, with breakout sessions highlighting individual genres and styles.  There will also be a hands-on instrument petting zoo, signing sessions, raffle prizes, dance contests, and food and refreshments and more.

Headed up by the award-winning kid’s musician Mindy Hester, mom, actress and lead singer of “Mindy Hester and the Time Outs,” the Rock & Roll Arts Academy is a one-of-a-kind center for early childhood music education and parents alike. Recognizing the importance of NON-traditional music education, Hester brings to life the songs older generations grew up with, while putting new spins on them for their young. Not the ordinary Baby Mozart based classes, parents and their kids learn the origins of Beatles’ songs, dance to the psychedelic sounds of The Grateful Dead and say “Hey Now!” to the songs of Bob Marley!

“Sharing music enhances relationships and creates a bond between parent and child,” says Hester. “Not to mention, hasn’t everyone at one point in their life wished they were a rock star? Our classes and jam sessions provide a creative outlet for parents and their kids to learn, grow and jam.” Class ages range from 4 months to 13 years.