'Rock the Oaks' Feb. 8-9 for Oak Grove Center

Rock the Oaks (formerly Temecula Live!) is back and bigger than ever! The event will feature a new name, new venue and new musical genres. “Previously, this event was strictly a country music affair. We’ve added classic rock, pop, folk, blues, as well as some great comedy acts,” states Gwyn Sanborn, Rock the Oaks Producer, Oak Grove Center Performing Arts Director and Trustee.

Oak Grove Center Chief Executive Officer Tammy Wilson adds, “The change in venue to New Covenant Church in Murrieta allows us to sell more tickets and raise more funds for our Arts and Autism programs. What won’t change is the amazing talent, and members of the professional house band, The Ranch Rockers. Still sprinkled with comedy, this is a live family-friendly show that is so much fun and makes such a difference for the kids of Oak Grove. We have a great line up this year and are so excited!”

Three separate shows will span two days, Feb. 8-9. More than 45 local and regional performers will take the stage to raise funds for Oak Grove Center including:

• Local favorites The Brewer Boys continue their quest for stardom after last year’s appearance on "The X Factor." Recently, Nathan and Justin Brewer performed internationally in a string of mall events in the Philippines. Once again, they will perform a range of songs they call alternative bluegrass mixed with the sound of new country, classic rock and pop.

• Taylor Tickner is a 17-year-old singer/musician/actor who lives in Temecula and is a junior at Great Oak High School. Taylor can be found perfecting her talent at The Merc or other local events throughout Southern California.

• Alaina Blair is a 20-year-old singer/songwriter whose sounds are influenced by Joss Stone, Grace Potter, and Sheryl Crow. She signed with Opus 1 music as part of their Emerging Artist Series, placing her music on film and TV for licensing. Be sure to look out for her on the radio!

• Melanie Joe is a 21-year-old multi-genre singer/songwriter who is the 2012 North American Country Music Association’s "Most Promising Female Vocalist (Adult Bluegrass). Producer Jason Brawner and Melanie Joe began writing/producing songs in 2012. "Heart of Paper" and "The Rebound Song" are the first of their efforts and are now distributed worldwide through iTunes, Amazon and Wal-Mart.

• Ashley Zavala is a 19-year-old singer/songwriter from Murrieta. Ashley recorded her first album in 2011 called “Gilded Butterflies” and is currently recording new material.

Show times are Friday, Feb. 8 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for Rock the Oaks are $20 per show ($10 for children under 12, $15 for children 13-18) and are available at the Oak Grove center website at OakGroveCenter.org. New Covenant Church is located at 38801 Calistoga Drive in Murrieta.

Oak Grove Center will also be accepting $15 donations so that residents at Oak Grove can attend the shows. The Performance Team will be performing at the matinee show 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9. Donations to send a child to Rock the Oaks can also be made on the organization’s website.

For more information regarding Rock the Oaks, visit OakGroveCenter.org, view our event video or call 951-677-5599. 

About Oak Grove Center

Oak Grove Center is a nonprofit educational and residential center which serves over 200 children at two separate campuses. The Murrieta campus serves as a treatment facility for 76 youth who receive 24-hour residential care and educational services. Additionally, 80 students attend the nonpublic school located at the Murrieta campus. Oak Grove at the Ranch in Perris, CA is the second campus where 30 students attend the nonpublic Day Program. Students are referred to Oak Grove Center from Riverside, Orange, San Diego, San Bernardino and Los Angeles Counties.  

—News release