Mr. O’s Academy of the Arts has staying power and hopes to keep its rhythm going through 2015.
The nonprofit organization at 360 Sixth St. plans to host a concert at noon Jan. 24 to celebrate the music shop heading into its fourth year in existence. Admission is free to the concert, which will feature the academy’s own Community Jazz Band along with an array of other performers.
Some of the other performers include Kaleb Askew on guitar and singing, Cesar Flores’ group “Doghouse” and academy teachers Noelle and Steve Sladon making up “Shiloh,” said Joe Ostensen, the longtime Hollister schools music teacher who runs the academy with his wife, Frances.
“And, of course, everybody knows Mr. Baumgarner,” Ostensen said.
The academy has held the concerts before, but Ostensen said this year he hopes that attendees stick around throughout the show instead of leaving after seeing someone of interest.
“I want to try and encourage them to stay and watch these other people,” he said.
Ostensen hopes to raise money, but the event also stands to spread the word on the academy’s offerings. He underscored how the academy, which opened in January 2012, has received nearly 30 donated instruments since opening, and that the students can use the equipment for free while enrolled.
MR. O’S CONCERT
WHO: Local musicians
WHAT: Annual concert
WHEN: Noon Jan. 24
WHERE: Mr. O’s, 360 Sixth St.
