South Windsor Music Students Play Evergreen Walk Saturday

Michael Kevetos’ school, Mach1Music, offers instrumental lessons much like many other music schools. But Kevetos is insistent that his students not just take lessons but learn to perform like real musicians.

“I like to get my students out in public. It’s a great way to build someone’s confidence,” Kevetos said. “I’m not one who likes the standard type of recital. It’s too stuffy and uptight.”

Instead he looks for opportunities to send his students out into the community and have them play for audiences. He often plays along with them.

“For the students, it’s a great experience to get out in public and their families can come down and see them. It’s very low key and there’s no pressure,” Kevetos said. “For me it’s a lot of fun to experience that with them.”

His next performance will be Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. at Evergreen Walk.

A friend started an open air market there, called Olde England Street Market, where vendors pitch tents and offer their products. Mach1Music students have provided the entertainment on a few occasions both this year and last.

“People have been really appreciative. They keep asking us to come back,” he said.

Kevetos’ students – who range in age from 6 to 60 – will play a range of music. The Beatles are popular with students and there’s a father and two sons who will play some Tom Petty, Hootie and the Blowfish and maybe Kiss, Kevetos said.