Zounds Sounds Celebrates 20 Years of Music Education with Festival

Zounds Sounds, a music school based in Dallas, is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a special festival from November 21 to 23, 2023. Founded by partners Marc Solomon and Amy Curnow, the school has played a significant role in shaping local music culture, nurturing countless young musicians in various instruments including guitar, bass, drums, voice, and piano.

The festival will take place at the Sons of Hermann Hall, with a lineup featuring performances from notable alumni and local musicians. The opening night will showcase a children’s concert featuring music inspired by artists such as the Steve Miller Band, Pantera, and St. Vincent. Following the children’s performances, Solomon and Curnow’s band, the Charming Gardeners, will take the stage.

The celebration continues on the second night with performances by Tommy Stinson, the former bassist of the legendary band The Replacements, and Chris Holt from the Eagles, who is also an instructor at Zounds Sounds. This evening will include a special tribute to local women in music, highlighting the contributions of female artists in the Dallas area.

The festival will conclude on November 23 with a mix of acoustic and jazz performances at Zounds Sounds’ DIY venue, located next to its headquarters on Garland Road. Solomon likens the experience to “seeing Bob Dylan at Café Wha?” emphasizing the intimate and unique atmosphere that attendees can expect.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit the non-profit Way Into Music, which aims to provide music education and instruments to children who cannot afford them. The initiative also focuses on ensuring fair wages for local music educators. Solomon expressed his passion for the work they do, stating, “I love what we do on a daily basis. I truly enjoy it and consider it to be as much my work of art as any of my record projects.”

Tickets for the event are priced at $25 for a single night or $40 for the entire weekend. The festival promises to be a heartfelt celebration of two decades of musical education and community involvement. For further information and ticket purchases, visit zoundssoundsbside.org.