Highland Park club hosts rock throwdown for ‘coolest kid’
BY CHARLES BERMAN cberman@pioneerlocal.com January 23, 2012 9:14PM
Highland Park 1/19/12 Allison Nemirow, of Highland Park, shakes maracas with daughter, Rebekah Nemirow, 1, during the Rock - Stroll - Shop Sheridan Road event at the new Rock and Roll Arts Academy in Highland Park, on Thursday, January 19, 2012. | Ruthie Hauge ~ Sun-Times Media
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Updated: February 27, 2012 8:35AM
Highland Park 5-year-old Connor Sasveld took his immense rock ’n’ roll talent to the web last week, shooting his first music video in an attempt win the title of “Coolest Kid on the North Shore.”
Sasveld was the first child to participate in the open-mic competition at Highland Park’s new Rock and Roll Arts Academy. The contest was the headlining event of the academy’s three-day open house that ran in conjunction with the Downtown Business Alliance’s “Rock — Stroll — Shop Sheridan Road” event.
“I’m a dancer, singer, drummer and guitar player,” 5-year-old Connor said. “Don’t you believe it?”
Then Connor grabbed the microphone to prove it. With rock clubhouse owner Mindy Hester accompanying him on the guitar, Connor belted out an impassioned version of “Twist and Shout.”
When asked how he gets his rock star energy, Connor replied, “From eating well, getting sleep, exercising and laughing.”
“I’m not a shy kid,” he added, waving off the silly question.
Connor’s parents, Michelle and Dan, explained that Connor gravitated to music right away. He goes in phases, they said, from rock, to jazz, Motown and other musical genres.
“The only tantrum he ever threw was to hear a specific song,” said Michelle.
Three kids shot music videos on Jan. 19, with many more lined up to showcase their talents the rest of the weekend. The videos have been posted via YouTube to the Rock and Roll Arts Academy Facebook Page. The video with the most votes by Jan. 27 earns the child rock star/producer the title of “Coolest Kid on the North Shore,” plus a free birthday party with private live concert.
Deerfield 4-year-old Anika Allen and 7-year-old Max Jacobs also are in the running after producing music videos last week.
Allen, who gave herself the nickname “Songmaker Lovie,” offered a rendition of her own song, “Birdie.”
Other festivities on Sheridan Road last week included the latest installment of ice sculptures, special in-store discounts and another contest with a guitar up for grabs.
Contestants played “Name That Tune” associated with each new ice sculpture. The carvings inspired the sights and sounds of the Roaring ’20s, Fabulous ’50s, Swinging ’60s, Psychedelic ’70s and Hair Banging’ 80s.
For more information about the Rock and Roll Arts Academy, 1991 Sheridan Road, visit www.rockandrollarts.com or www.mindysmusic.com, or call (847) 748-8993.
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