Arts & Entertainment
Teens Rock Out at Media Center's 'Sound Lounge'
The media center offers monthly 'sound lounges,' a venue where teens can gather to watch free live music. Last night, Thanks for Asking, The Aisiling Project and Molly Tuttle delighted the crowd.
In a makeshift music studio at the , teens sat on beanbag chairs, couches and on the floor Saturday night to watch three local young bands showcase their talents.
The concert was one of the Media Center's "sound lounges," one of the only venues in Palo Alto where teenagers can gather to watch each other perform live music. The media center live-streamed the concert for those who could not make it to the performance.
"Every couple of weeks, we do a sound-live show where we have local bands play, and it's a good way for people to find out about the Media Center, and it promotes self-expression," said Laura Rossiter, one of the high school volunteers who initiated and organized the event. "In Palo Alto, there's not that many places that are open to teenagers to just come and be a teenager in safe environment."
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Colin Marchon, another volunteer at the media center, said, "It is a sort of symbiotic relationship, because it is a free venue for teenage bands to invite their friends and promote themselves, while we promote the Media Center."
The only similarity between Saturday's three performances was talent. The first performer was singer/songwriter Molly Tuttle, who played a few duets with her brother, Sully. Molly played the banjo, guitar and harmonica. She recently released a new album with her family.
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"I lately have been starting to do solo concerts with my songs," Molly said. "I am getting experience carrying a show by myself. I've never performed a live duet with my brother, Sullivan, so that should be fun. It is really a relaxed environment at the Media Center, and it has a nice vibe."
The next group, The Aisling Project, performed songs off its new acoustic rock album.
"We just made an album," lead vocalist and guitarist Jay Vertin said. "We made it completely on our own, paid for all the mastering and production, and, hopefully, we can make another one soon." l
Vertin seemed thankful for the ability to play at the media center. "It's always good to get out and play shows and let our family and friends hear us, and anyone else who wants to come hear us play."
Lastly, Thanks for Asking performed songs off its new album, You're Welcome. The band organized the other events along with the Media Center.
The alternative-rock band, which has played together since 2009, has just started playing shows around the Bay Area this year.
"The show went great," said Matt Howard, drummer for Thanks for Asking. "Molly was incredible, as was the Aisling Project. The Media Center has a nice feel; they work really hard to provide a solid show, and the fact that they stream the music live is awesome."
