School of rock takes a break

Keith MacDonald had high hopes when he sold his car and invested his life savings to start Culpeper's first school of rock. But when the academy's landlord evicted MacDonald for loud music, those hopes plummeted and rock education took a backseat to bringing music to the masses.

Now, that too has folded. Even after moving Rock Academy concerts from Culpeper to Warrenton, MacDonald has now cancelled all future shows there, citing ongoing violence as the culprit.

Beginning with the Pietasters' show in January, there were episodes at each of the four shows held at the In Motion Sports and Dance complex. Ranging from "heated discussions" about skinheads taking the stage to stolen purses to fights, the incidents were escalating in MacDonald's eyes.

"I just didn't want anybody getting hurt up there," he said. "It would be in our best interest to pull out and come back to Culpeper."

Ongoing violence
In the 16 months he hosted shows in Culpeper, CRA only had two incidents, compared to one per show in Warrenton. An employee at In Motion declined to comment on the situation.
The four issues MacDonald cited involved a Jan. 12 altercation in the parking lot and a skirmish with skinheads jumping the stage; a purse stolen Jan. 26 and kids on the roof; another parking lot altercation Feb. 2 and money stolen from another purse; and a Feb. 9 parking lot brawl.

Of those four incidents, police were involved on two occasions. Warrenton Chief of Police Connie Novak said the first occurred Jan. 12 and involved an intoxicated sound technician who collapsed on the soundboard.

The second incident occurred Feb. 10, which involved a group of 10 people assaulting a group of three in the parking lot. Police made no arrests but the assault is still under investigation.

Police activity undoubtedly caused the town to see the Rock Academy in a poor light, MacDonald said. For that reason and for the safety of everyone involved, MacDonald opted to move shows back to Culpeper. Novak said future concerts "have been restricted" until the owners can reach an agreement.

Not only was the violence an issue, but the sports complex did not have a permit for housing large assemblies of people.

"The town (of Warrenton) encourages youth activities," said zoning administrator Mickey Rhoades, "but this type of activity was not noted as a use when (the builders) applied for a permit."
Once again, the Rock Academy was left without a stage.

Who says you can't go home
That was, of course, until he contacted American Legion Post 330. In an effort to continue providing an outlet for rockers, the organization formerly known as Culpeper Rock Academy - now called Culpeper Concerts because of a lack of resources for lessons - will host its first Culpeper show in three months at the Legion.

The March 1 concert will feature Culpeper bands Revenent and Morgue Rats in addition to Mirrorcage from Harrisonburg and Winchester's Hull House.

"I'm still very much determined to keep rock music here in Culpeper and keep kids out of trouble," MacDonald said. "(I want to) give them a place to go that's safe."

To combat the threat of violence, MacDonald is requesting adult volunteers monitor the event, though he said he did not foresee any trouble.

At this point, only Saturday's concert has been scheduled at the Legion hall. If there are no incidents and both parties are content, MacDonald said he would continue to schedule shows there for $400 a night until he can find a cheaper venue.

Post 330 Commander Larry Berman said he spoke with MacDonald about housing a concert and the Legion was happy to lend a hand.

"We're all for helping out kids," Berman said. "Whatever we can do. I think for both of us it's a good idea to see what happens and see which direction we want to go."

Though he is taking a break from offering lessons to get back on his feet, MacDonald said he would like to eventually start another academy.

"I really need to regroup financially," he said. "I took a hell of a beating and I need to recuperate and pay my bills."

Ideally, he said he would like to see the Culpeper community start a similar music forum to Orange County's Orange Jam, a weekly concert medium for youth rockers to test the waters of performing and recording.

"If Orange can do it, we should be able to do it too," he said. "There's got to be somebody out there that's willing to take a chance on the kids."

Catherine Amos can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .

Welcome home, Culpeper Concerts
(the organization formerly known as Culpeper Rock Academy)

Next show: Culpeper's Eclypsio and Morgue Rats, with Mirrorcage and Hull House
March 1; 6 to 10:30 p.m. at American Legion Post 330
14222 Rixeyville Rd. (Rt. 229)

Tickets: $8, no smoking or alcohol allowed; call 522-0622.