From Classroom to Stage, Teddi and The Northern Lights Release New EP and Show Their Students How It’s Done
It has been said that “those who can’t do, teach.” But what is absolutely true is those who can do teach well! Made up entirely of local music educators, Teddi and the Northern Lights is set to celebrate the release of their newest EP Mother Mercury on Friday, Nov. 10, 2017!
School of Rock is the launching pad for many of the newest and brightest musicians emerging onto the Vegas scene and all over the country. With over 200 locations internationally, the school and its format are a force to be reckoned with due to its innovative and inspiring performance based curriculum. Coming up on its six-year anniversary, School of Rock Las Vegas West has become a fixture of the community helping to build a safe space and support system for young aspiring musicians here in Las Vegas. “There are few things more rewarding than helping a young person reach their full potential,” says Teddi Tarnoff, the school’s Director and the front person for The Northern Lights. “Whether it be musically or socially, we get to work with so many different kinds of kids here, and getting to watch them be successful at the things they’re most passionate about is a true joy.”
Originally from the east coast, Teddi moved to Las Vegas five years ago to assume the Director position at the school. An original student of the program at its first location in Philadelphia, PA, Teddi appreciates the unique and important role a school like hers can play in a young person’s life. A classically trained vocalist from a young age, Teddi joined the School of Rock in her teens to learn guitar but what she got out of it was so much more. “I found my people, the weirdos, the art nerds who felt as strongly and deeply as I did and do about music. In a world of standardizing and popularity, I was fortunate to make those connections so early in life. I would not be the person I am today and I would not feel so free to create as an artist if I hadn’t. I hope that’s the experience I am offering to my students here in Vegas.”
By Teddi’s side as the school’s Music Director and as the guitarist in The Northern Lights is Erik Carlsson. A Warped Tour and Ozzfest alumni having previously toured with his band 3rd Strike, Carlsson adds a lot to the School of Rock family offering his industry experience as well as his many years as an educator. School of Rock drum instructor Jeremy Strawn, who also teaches drum-line at Coronado High School, provides the beats and grooves for The Northern Lights. Rounding out the band is Will McLean on bass, an instructor that helped to open the Vegas School of Rock. Teddi and the Northern Lights is made up of some of the city’s most refined musicians who lead by example showing their students what dedication to one’s craft can produce and how to be a servant to your own artistic pursuits.
Mother Mercury is available on all digital platforms and available for purchase on iTunes. The album release party is set for Friday, Nov. 10 at Backstage Bar & Billiards located in downtown Las Vegas. Presented by Nevermore Productions, the event is 21 and over. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9 p.m. with Anna Duerden and Camden West as opening support.
MOTHER MERCURY
ALBUM Release Party: Friday, Nov. 10
Backstage Bar & Billiards
601 Fremont Street, Las Vegas, NV, 89101
8 p.m. doors / 9 p.m. show
21+Teddi and the Northern Lights is a Las Vegas-based alternative rock band. Their latest release “Mother Mercury” is an evolution of sound centered on the reclaiming of one’s own light after it’s been eclipsed. Teddi’s music is folky and bluesy, acid and tender. Her songs keep their indie roots secure while turning on the rock edge for a full and powerful sound encompassing the spirit of love and the essence of life.
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