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Award-winning Lakehouse Music Academy’s end of semester live showcase was indeed the biggest live music performance the progressive music school has held, organizers said Wednesday.

Over 300 students, ages 3 to 73, participated in the free weekend event, held 10 a.m. to midnight Jan 30 and 31 at the House of Independents on Cookman Avenue.

“We launched the Big Gig in 2013 as a way for students to experience performing live at Asbury’s historic music venues after each semester of hard work and rehearsing,” Lakehouse Director Albie Monterrosa said. “The magic of being on stage in front of a big crowd is invaluable at every age and a real confidence builder.”

The students were treated like true rock stars and VIPs, with a red carpet and rock ‘n’ roll photo booth, presented by Holtz Photography.

Performers came from the Academy’s Cadets Plus, Get Started, Core and Adult Night Session classes.

Highlights included Jet, the Academy’s advanced college prep band; its Core teen bands Stix and Stonz performing Elle King’s “Ex’s & Oh’s” and Skattered playing “Under The Bridge” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Adult band favorite The Cheatin’ Hearts performed an Elvis medley while the all-mom band Mamadrama rocked out to “Zombie” by The Cranberries.

The Couch Potatoes band [ages 6-10] performed “YMCA” and the littlest rockers [ages 3-5] sang to “Uptown Funk.”

Lakehouse Music Academy, established in 2013, provides programs and lessons for every student, at every level and age. The Lakehouse Music Building, at 619 Lake Ave, also is home Lakehouse Recording Studios and Lakehouse Rehearsal spaces. For more information, visit the Academy’s website.

For a full gallery of the weekend performances, visit Holtz’ Gallery here. The Big Gig film is available here.

[Photos courtesy of Holtz Photography]

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