RISE: The Legacy of Black Guitar Heroes in Rock & Metal Music
A live, kid-friendly concert and storytelling program for libraries.
Through short, engaging stories and a live instrumental guitar concert, kids and families discover the untold legacy of Black guitarists who shaped the sound of modern rock and metal — from Sister Rosetta Tharpe to Tom Morello.
Program highlights:
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Live electric guitar performance (instrumental, family-friendly)
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Storytelling focused on creativity, perseverance, and finding your voice
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Ideal for Black History Month or year-round programming
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Each child receives a limited-edition collectible guitar hero card
Benefits for Library Patrons
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Hear real stories of five influential Black guitarists who changed music by refusing to stay silent
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Experience a live instrumental guitar performance paired with age-appropriate storytelling
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Learn how creativity, persistence, and courage show up in real people, not fictional heroes
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Reflect through guided questions that invite kids to think, respond, and participate
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Leave with a collectible guitar hero card that reinforces the themes of the program
Why libraries love this program:
RISE blends cultural history, storytelling, and live music into a family-friendly experience that encourages listening, reflection, and creative confidence, without requiring prior musical knowledge.
Shatter the Silence: A Live Music & Storytelling Experience
An original Rock Dojo program inspired by The Nullsong Chronicles™
A Live Music & Storytelling Experience
Designed for children ages 6–12 and their families, Shatter the Silence is a live music and storytelling experience from Rock Dojo inspired by The Nullsong Chronicles™. Through a live reading of an illustrated comic and original instrumental guitar music, families enter a world where music has been banned. In this world, young heroes must rediscover their voices and learn the skills to use them.
The program blends storytelling, original music, and a guided discussion—inviting kids to reflect, respond, and participate—while exploring big ideas like creativity, resilience, confidence, and courage in an age-appropriate way.
Program highlights:
- Live reading from an illustrated comic, provided by Rock Dojo
- 3–5 original instrumental guitar pieces composed for the story
- Guided discussion and interactive moments that invite kids to reflect, respond, and participate
- Encourages creativity, confidence, and self-expression
No prior musical knowledge is required.
Benefits for Library Patrons
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Engage with an original illustrated story paired with live music
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Support literacy and imagination by connecting reading with performance
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Explore themes like creativity, courage, and self-expression in a kid-friendly way
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Participate through interactive moments that keep kids engaged (not passive)
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Leave inspired to create, share ideas, and “find your voice”
Why libraries love this program:
Shatter the Silence encourages reading, creativity, and emotional growth while offering a distinctive arts experience that aligns with library literacy and learning goals.
Program Logistics (Fast Facts)
Length: 30–60 minutes (typical: 45 minutes)
Audience: Ages 6–12 (families welcome)
Space: Meeting room or open area
Sound: I can provide my own sound system (power outlet preferred)
Capacity: Flexible (typically 40–150)
Staff support: Minimal (one staff contact for access/setup)
Booking & Inquiries
If you’re interested in hosting RISE or Shatter the Silence, I’d love to help you find a date that fits your programming calendar.
