Local bands Infinity Undone and Fit for Hounds put on a great show at Redmond’s Old Fire House last Friday, part of the the fourth annual Classic Rockathon for young bands. Though they didn’t win, by making it through to the final the two bands, which features students at Sammamish and Issaquah high schools and recent graduates, helped raise more than $2,00 for educational and recreational programs at the Old Fire House.

The Kenmore-based band JAR clinched first place in the final, with covers of vintage hits by The Doors, The Beatles and Neil Young.

More than just a battle of the bands, the Rockathon is meant to be a learning experience for the event’s young producers, as well as the musicians.

“Being a part of putting on the Classic Rockathon has really been eye opening, as to what it takes to put on a show,” Rockathon producer, and Redmond High School student, Shane McLaughlin said. “Putting on a show requires hard work and dedication but it all pays off when you see the smiles on the audience’s and the band’s faces.”

Another Rockathon producer, Nzynga Hendricks of Eastlake High School, said the experience taught her “how to deal with the stress of making an event and about my abilities.”

“At the same time, I feel that I helped open doors for the bands, myself and the Old Fire House — and also found a love for hosting and networking with all the cool people in the business.”

That networking has paid off, too, since one of the Rockathon judges, Kelli Faryar of Northwest Folklife, asked if McLaughlin and Hendricks would host an Old Fire House Music Showcase at Northwest Folklife in Seattle. The showcase will happen at noon, Sunday, May 30 in EMP’s Sky Church and will feature performers from Redmond High School, Evergreen Junior High and Eastlake High.

For more information about the OFH Music Showcase at Northwest Folklife, visit www.nwfolklife.org/

For information about the Old Fire House Teen Center, call 425-556-2370 or visit www.theoldfirehouse.org.