Begun as a legacy project by The Crossing Arts Alliance to honor longtime board member Mark Munson, the Mark Munson Rock Music Camp teaches youth musicians how to become rock stars.
Volunteer instructor Ed Koehler works with Adam Nienow on a guitar riff Tuesday, July 23, during the Mark Munson Rock Music Camp at First Lutheran Church. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
Munson began playing in bands when he was 13 and his love of music brought him joy throughout his life. When faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis, music provided him comfort and inspired him to make this camp available to kids in the lakes area.
The program brings talented young musicians together to work on the skills needed to become a band and to perform on stage. Under the guidance of instructors, vocal coaches and student mentors, students develop skills and friendships, learn and perform two classic rock songs and work on stage presence.
The camp culminates with a rock concert 7 p.m. Thursday, July 25, at Tornstrom Auditorium in Washington Educational Services Building, 804 Oak St., Brainerd. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Tickets are available online at crossingarts.org or at 711 Laurel St. Each band will sign their official band posters after the concert in the gym located behind the auditorium. Sales from the posters and other merchandise benefit the camp.
Cheyenne Anthony with the band Pho6ia sings Tuesday, July 23, during the Mark Munson Rock Music Camp at First Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Steve Kohls / Brainerd Dispatch
The camp has received community support from the Brainerd Lakes Area Community Foundation, the Power Loon, Five Wings Arts Council, Bridge of Harmony, the Brainerd Elks Lodge No. 615, Allegra Print and Marketing, Clow Stamping Co., Sertoma, Rotary Foundation, Culligan, the Mark and Barb Munson family and numerous individual donors.
For more information visit crossingarts.org or call 218-833-0416.