Get ready to rock

The Universal Music Center of Red Wing is preparing for its debut live performance. The concert will be 2 p.m. Sunday Feb. 10.

Music lovers throughout the community are invited celebrate the accomplishments of the 15 students who are taking part in the 12-week program.

“The students make up four separate bands and will perform a wide variety of current and classic material,” program founder Mike Arturi said. “Solo performances will also take place featuring some original and current material.”

Universal Music Center is a learning institution located on the grounds of the Anderson Center. The program offers students one-on-one lessons, band rehearsals, master classes, music appreciation workshops and a live performance experience. Students are educated on everything from time signatures to stage presence to music business insight and are also exposed to guest artists of various background and specialties.

Arturi, drummer for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Lovin’ Spoonful, said he is dedicated to creating both a quality music education and a positive and supportive environment where students can build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience the joy and creativity that comes from learning and performing music.

In addition to the Lovin’ Spoonful, he had drummed for Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Dick Clark’s touring Rock and Roll Revival show, the Coasters, the Marvellets, Del Shannon, Freddie Cannon, the Drifters, Big Twist and the Mellow Fellows, Head East, Gary Lewis and the Playboys and Badfinger.

Arturi shares his lifetime of knowledge in the music business and is involved in the progress of every student, helping them achieve goals.

Students meet every other week for private lessons and monthly for workshops. Instruments include drums, guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, trumpet, trombone and saxophone.

“The first 12 weeks have been phenomenal,” Arturi said, “We have 95 percent of our students continuing, losing only one student temporarily to previous sports commitments and one to scheduling conflicts.”

Learn more about the Universal Music Center at www.umcredwing.com or “like” them on Facebook.

At a glance…

Who: Red Wing’s Universal Music Center concert

When: 2-3:30 p.m. Sunday Feb. 10

Where: Anderson Center, Highway 61 at Highway 19

Cost: Free

More info: 651-388-2009 or www.andersoncenter.org

Tags: arts and entertainemnt, lifestyle, arts, entertainment, social