Palatine Park District Features All Ages Backroom Show Dec. 11

The Palatine Park District features its monthly installment of The Backroom All Ages Show at Durty Nellie's Pub Saturday, Dec. 11. Local youth bands performing are The Backpocket Catastrophe at 3:30 p.m., Falls of Deaf Ears at 4:30 p.m. and Field of Vision at 5:30 p.m.

Keith Williams, Palatine Park District's Superintendent of Recreation, said The Backroom All Ages shows was conceived when the Park District learned, through community events such as Jaycees Fourth of July Celebration and Battle of the Bands, of a waxing interest in local youth bands.

"Social networks like Facebook and Myspace allow youth bands to have their music heard; most of these bands strive to perform at any sort of concert venues. But few [schools, libraries, park districts] provide regular opportunities for bands to perform, or provide a place for under aged youth to meet and listen to music on a regular basis," Williams said.

Williams said the park district has developed a good working relationship with Durty Nellies management, and have partnered in other programs such as dodge ball leagues, softball team sponsors and bags tournaments.

"Durty Nellies has a wonderful facility for hosting concerts," Williams said. "Nellies agreed to provide the sound and lighting and control the facility [for the Backroom event], and the Park District agreed to organize the monthly events, solicit and select bands to play."

Williams said the park district developed a database of more than 80 local northwest suburban area youth bands interested in performing. Park district staff has worked hard to screen bands that would provide a good mix of music for each month's performance.  

"We look to provide an opportunity for these young [alternative pop/modern rock] musicians to experience band marketing and management. We help with the PR and ticket sales but we put this in their hands for their show," Williams said.

Williams and his park district cohorts also have teamed up with organizations like UICradio and SLY radio to enhance the cause.

"We're happy with our partners," Williams said. "[Such partnering] allows each band to set up interviews and in-studio performances prior to their schedule show."

The Backpocket Catastrophe (TBPC) is a four-man ensemble from Palatine. TBPC writes its own material. According to Williams, the artistic group is "dedicated to having fun and working hard."

Falls on Deaf Ears is a seasoned guitar-playing duo from Lake in the Hills. The pair of musician brothers recently completed an EP called "Overload."

Field of Vision is from Downer's Grove and recently released their single titled, "About That…" They're currently working on an EP, which is scheduled to release in December 2010 or early January 2011.

All ages are welcome at the Durty Nellie's (180 N. Smith St.) Backroom event. Food and drinks will be available, and a 2nd-floor viewing area will be open for adults over 21. Admission is $8.