Season 3 - Rock 101 / One Hit Wonders / 90's Alternative

One hit wondersOne Hit Wonders is a super fun show that students and parents will love! What constitutes a One-Hit Wonder? The Billboard Book of One-Hit Wonders defines the term as a musical act that registers on the Billboard Pop Top 40 chart once in their career. While there have been One Hit Wonders since the beginning of the Rock and Roll era, this show contains a heavy dose of ‘80s hits like “Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners, “I Ran (So Far Away)” by Flock of Seagulls, and “Take On Me” by a-ha. There are also some ‘70s gems, such as “Mr. Big Stuff” by Jean Knight, and '90s favorites such as Semisonic’s “Closing Time” and Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping”. While these artists might not be household names, the One Hit Wonders show presents a musical journey through some of Rock’s most infectiously memorable tunes. This show is great for all instruments and skill levels, and will put a smile on every Rock fan’s face! ‘90s AlternativeWhen Nirvana’s song “Smells Like Teen Spirit” became an international sensation in late 1991, major record labels began searching feverishly for similar artists who could further capitalize on the massive interest in this new “alternative” sound. The result was an abrupt shift away from the formulaic Pop and Hair Metal anthems of the 1980s to the gritty and dynamic music of Grunge. Since the music industry wasn’t quite sure what would capture the public’s attention in this new landscape, major labels began signing and promoting all sorts of artists with idiosyncratic and unique sounds to serve as an “alternative” to what had previously captured mainstream popularity. Bands such as Pavement, Beck, Hole, Cake, Radiohead, Blur, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins, and Belly drew from the influence of the underground rock and punk scene of the 1980s, and found quick success with music fans who were eager for new sounds and styles. Students of all instruments and experience levels can expect good challenges in this fun show full of interesting and catchy music.