Fundraiser will rock this town inside out
Studebaker 7 will be the featured performance at a Caledonia High School band/choir fundraiser Feb. 16.
~ Submitted
By Emily Bialkowski
Caledonia Argus
Everybody does fundraisers: the Boy Scouts, FFA, Year Book Club, Girl Scouts, athletic teams, the Save Our Swimming Pool committee – you name it.
But for the last three years the high school band and vocal music departments have tried to do something different to help kids attend educational music events while at the same time respecting those who continue to support… well, everything.
In that light, a Rock-n-Roll Extravaganza featuring Studebaker 7 will be held at the Four Seasons Community Center on Saturday, Feb. 16 from 7 to 11 p.m. to benefit the students attending this year’s music trip to Chicago.
Studebaker 7’s play list includes a variety of familiar cover tunes from artists such as Joan Jett, The Beatles, Linda Ronstadt, Beach Boys, Sonny and Cher, Chuck Berry, The Monkeys and more. They also feature original works, and recorded two records in the 1970s with “One Fine Day” reaching number 2 on the Midwest Top 40 Pop chart.
It will undoubtedly be one fine evening.
“I know that the community is supportive of the arts, and this is a way that we can raise money for the students and not have to buy fundraising items – it’s a different way to help the students and get people together. We have done this type of fundraiser for Sparta, Onalaska, La Crescent music departments in addition to Freedom Honor Fight, Boys and Girls Clubs and countless others,” said Vocal Music Director Ross Martin, who is also one of the founding band members of Studebaker 7.
The band has recently had an exciting new addition: a horn section. Even more, one of the horn players is Caledonia teacher, Dustin Moberg.
“The band has always had high standards of performing. In order to take a new direction we thought that adding a horn section would take us there. We had Dustin and the trumpet player, Wally Crook, come jam in a few rehearsals. We then had the opportunity to open for 38 Special and Jefferson Starship this past July. The horns were definitely a hit, and the band did in fact go in a new and positive direction,” Martin said.
In addition to the rocking music, guests will enjoy raffles, a silent auction and refreshments. Students who benefit from the fundraiser will be on hand helping out while seeing a great example of where their music education can take them. It also helps offset the $605 per student price tag to attend the trip.
Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Visit www.studebaker7.com for more information on the band or email Martin at ross_martin@cps.k12.mn.us to find out how to obtain advance tickets.
More on the band
Studebaker 7 was originally formed in 1973 for a 50s style fraternity party, the band went on to perform for 14 years thereafter. The highlight for Studebaker 7 was performing for three consecutive years at Milwaukee Summerfest.
The band broke up in 1987. After a 15 year hiatus the band reformed in 2002 with six original members. Since reuniting, Studebaker 7 has been the opening act for Jefferson Starship, .38 Special, Dr. Hook and 1964-The Tribute, The Number 1 Beatles Tribute Show in the World.
