Plans were recently approved by the city’s Planning and Zoning Department for a new youth-centered music school in Cortez, but before renovations on the building begin, owner Simone Sanchez is throwing a big-band extravaganza to help get the word out about the school and raise funds to turn the site around.
The upcoming music school – a “School of Rock” as Sanchez says – has been dubbed The Dream Machine. Aside from kids’ lessons, the Dream Machine will feature adult classes, as well as mommy-and-me music and movement classes from a licensed Kindermusik instructor.
Sanchez, a musician herself who performs locally with her band Simone Sanchez and the Machine, got the idea after noticing there weren’t many local options for kids seeking a creative outlet outside of school. The building, at 100 N. Pinon St., has had a former life as a gas station and most recently a restaurant, but Sanchez sees the retro bones of the building and the ample space inside as the perfect place for local kids, and anyone interested in music, to learn how to play an instrument or have a place to practice.
The building’s interior needs a complete upgrade, Sanchez says, and to help offset the costs she is hosting a “Spring Swing” dance at the Cortez Elks Lodge May 16.
“I got the idea to host a big dance at the Elks Lodge, and have it as a huge coming-out party for the school,” she said. “We’re encouraging people to dress up in their best ’40s or ’50s attire, the pin-up look. They’ll be a red carpet, a photographer,” she said. “We’re trying to do this really big to promote the school while giving people a night out.”
Three bands will be playing rockabilly and swing music all evening, she said. The lineup features’ Sanchez’s band, and other local musicians such as Dr. John Petty, and Montezuma-Cortez High School trumpeter Skyler Smith.
Tickets to the event are $15 and are on sale now at several local businesses including Blondie’s Trophy Room, Spiphy Graphics, and Automasters.
“We’re going all out,” Sanchez said. “We want to promote the school, and promote local musicians and all funds go to help get the school renovated.”
The Spring Swing dance is May 16 at 7 p.m. at the Cortez Elks Lodge.
