La Habra Music Center is proud to present: Thursday Night Talent. (Also known as TNT). We will provide musical talent every other Thursday of the month ranging from acoustic singer songwriters to full piece bands. Our goal is to cater to these aspiring musicians by allowing them to perform on our stage and providing them with promotional exposure through our website and live recordings.
The most recent band to play a TNT night is band: From The Clay, with band members Jonny Miller on vocals, guitar and piano and Geneva Alatorre on vocals and guitar. From The Clay is an acoustic/folk/experimental band from Corona California who performs regularly at coffee houses in the Riverside and Corona area. “TNT has the potential to be something really amazing”, says From The Clay, “ an outlet for artist to perform and network with other artists”.
If you or anyone you know would like more information about booking a TNT night, contact mitch@lahabramusic.com
La Habra Music Center carries combo gear and band and orchestra instruments. It also offers private and group music instruction and clinics, as well as classes through the city of La Habra. Students are encouraged to participate in recitals, but Capalbo recognized that other performers needed opportunities too. Thus, TNT was born in March 2009.
"We felt there was a need for the local talent to have a venue to pay in a non-threatening environment," Capalbo said. "The idea is it gives people who have never played the opportunity to experience playing in front of people. For those that may be used to playing, but they don't play as much, it gives them a chance to come back and try it or have fun with it. For groups that are professionals that may just want to hone their skill before they go out and try something new, they can come in here also and play."
The store provides a stage, lighting and sound system, along with amplifiers and a drum kit. Performers only need to bring their basic equipment. The show is digitally recorded and later posted on the La Habra Music Center's YouTube site and remain there until the next showcase.
The stage has been graced by a wealth of artists, from solo singer/songwriters to full bands and even comedians, offering up rock, country, jazz and more. Typically the performers range in age from early teens to seniors, but younger children are invited to share their talent and almost any type of act is welcome.
"What we're looking for is not the level of expertise, but basically if it works in our environment, we're a family-friendly environment. We want to make sure they're not bringing in an act that may be offensive to the general public and we tell people that," Capalbo said.
No formal audition is required, although Capalbo reviews each act through a CD, video or its Web site to assure it is appropriate for TNT's all-age audience. Performers are asked to sign up at least two months prior to the show's date. It is best to go into the store in person, but you may also call or e-mail Capalbo. There is no fee to perform.
"When we started TNT we knew that there's not as many places for people to play. A lot of places, if you're in rock and roll, you actually have to pay to play and we're not charging anything. We're just trying to give back to the music community the opportunity to enjoy what they're trying to do and all we ask for is if someone is going to look for a musical instrument that they at least give us a chance to help them," Capalbo said.
Thursday Night Talent is usually held twice a month, at 7 p.m. on a Thursday, throughout the year. Check the calendar for show dates at www.lahabramusic.com. Admission is free. TNT is also offered at La Habra Music Center's sister store in Corona.
