Rock School Blowout rocks Ferguson Hall

Rock School veteran Alex Shames with the Ponzi Scheme.

Yesterday's Rock School Blowout rocked Ferguson Hall as audience members cheered, clapped and sang along to rock favorites that ranged from Bon Jovi to Jimmy Hendrix.

Thirteen bands showed off the work of their summer session in Rock School, proving once again that anyone can rock.

Special guest and Rock School veteran Alex Shames returned to the Straz Center for an incredible finale of two original songs.

"If it hadn't been for the program and instructors here at the Patel Conservatory, I wouldn't be where I am today," said Shames to the crowd.

Shames is now in a successful band in Sarasota, the Ponzi Scheme. He credits his start in the music world to his Rock School experience.

Rock School continues to grow and showed off some incredible musical talent at yesterday's concert,  from both returning members and those who just got started.

A new Rock School session begins this month, with placement auditions starting this Sat., Aug. 14. Band members are placed into groups according to skill level. For more information regarding auditions and registration, call 222-1002.