The Wharf in Hallowell Hosts Mega Event For Youthful Musicians

By George L. Tibbetts Jr.

PHOTO: The graduates include from left to right, Josh Ochmanski, 16, on bass; Wesley Lapointe, 12, on drums; Toby Smith, 13, on lead guitar; instructor Sean Finn and Meghan Murphy, 16, guitar and vocals. The young musicians performed five songs including Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” and Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.”

The first rock ‘n’ roll ensemble to graduate from, our very own, The Kennebec Conservatory of Music in Augusta put on a grand performance before a packed house on Sunday, Dec. 6 at The Wharf in Hallowell.

Typically, Sundays are open jam night at The Wharf and from five o’clock on the club usually becomes filled with generations of musicians who met their band mates there, honed their skills in this very room and eventually accomplished their goals of becoming icons in the Maine music scene.

All the same players were there on this night as well but for a different reason. This jam was all about showing support for the next generation of musicians who will be making their way to a stage near you in the not too distant future.

Musicians, fans, family and on-lookers filled the The Wharf commemorating the accomplishments of young musicians from our area.

Kennebec Conservatory Founder and Director, Jason Carey, said that he was simply overwhelmed by the turnout. The club was at maximum capacity as fans, family and young musicians filled the room from wall to wall. It was really fun to watch from the “press box” as area youth took charge and affirmed their right to crowd a dance floor to the point that if you were sitting or standing someplace, that is where you would remain until the set ended. Woodstock revisited? I can only hope!

Identical Twins Katherine Veayo on Drums and Kristen Veayo on guitar are members of the Winthrop area band Fyve and have been recognized nationally for their young talent and showings in national competitions.

No story about young musicians in our area would be complete without mentioning the Veayo twins. They, too, were on the scene and, most assuredly, you will be reading about and listening to their music in the future. Listen to some of their cuts on Facebook and YouTube.

I truly love the fact that Hallowell and our valley retains it’s rightful place as a Maine music Mecca. It is my hope that we never loose sight of our artistic flair. Keep the  music flowing!

Support Local Musicians