Local rock heroes Shotty, former winners of the Classic Rockathon at the Old Redmond Fire House Teen Center, have been chosen by The Art Institute of Seattle for a summer project called Studio 101, which runs from July 22-25.
More than 140 students from across the country, working in 10 different departments of the Art Institute, will spend eight hours a day, over the four-day period, creating marketing, promotional and performance materials for the band.
At the end of the program, the band will negotiate with students to purchase creations that could be their next logo or t-shirt design. A video documenting Shotty’s involvement will also be produced.
The band’s collaboration with the Art Institute follows last year’s participation in the Experience Music Project Teen Artist Workshop for Audio Production.
To show gratitude to fans and promote positive messages, Shotty supports a movement encouraging teens to become “Soldiers of Love.”
They’re also showing love and support for medically fragile children and teens at Camp Korey, outside of Carnation, on the evening of July 21.
Eva Dankanics, public relations coordinator for Camp Korey explained, “As our 170-plus campers sent in their applications for Summer 2009, a frequent answer to the question, ‘What would you like to see at camp?’ was ‘live music!’ With the prevalence of phenomena like ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Camp Rock,’ kids of all ages, campers 7-17, are more excited about being involved with music than ever before. Camp Korey tries to fill camper sessions with tons of fun and unusual activities — like hot-air balloon rides, improv comedy and talent shows — so hosting live teen bands seemed like a perfect fit.”
Camp Korey recruiter Yolanda Arias had a connection with Ken Wong, City of Redmond teen programs director, who was able to recruit some young bands, including Shotty, to entertain the troops.
“The bands are so excited to perform,” said Dankanics, “and the campers will be thrilled and surprised to have real, live, rock and pop performances for them to enjoy, especially because many of our campers have health restrictions that prevent them from going to see live music elsewhere.”
The enthusiasm is mutual.
“I feel that this sort of thing is necessary for a band to do,” said Shotty guitarist/vocalist Guy Keltner. “Despite changing audience size, age, demographic and other factors, our goal as a band is to appeal to everyone. Especially teens! I plan to show these kids a great time and really make them feel loved by Shotty. Because Shotty truly intends to spread a great deal of happiness to all people. And in the process, hopefully, we will build close relationships with a few fans along the way.”
Lead singer/guitarist Pat Moon agreed, “As a band, you have very few opportunities to genuinely help peple. It’s important that when you’re put in a position to make a difference in someone’s life, you fully embrace the circumstances given to you. … If our goal as a band is truly to spread love as far as we reach, then this is a shining moment in our careers.”
Drummer Miles Frank called the honor of playing at Camp Korey “a once-in-a-lifetime experience both for performers and for the campers. It will be a wonderful opportunity to spread love and happiness among kids who need it most.”
Shotty plans a West Coast tour in September, before going back into the studio to record a follw-up to their EP “Ah, Here We Go.”
For more information, visit http://myspace.com/shotty or e-mail manager Robin Fairbanks at robinfair@aol.com.
