There are not enough places for teens to go in the Hudson Valley. Granted, there’s the mall, movie theaters, bowling alleys and diners, but there should be more places that actually nurture kids while they’re having fun. That said, I was so excited to spend my Friday night at Valley Central Middle School’s band showcase which benefits the senior all-night party.

From 6- 10 p.m., five young bands, all from Orange County, played for their friends and parents and the $7 entrance fee was collected for the high school seniors. All of the bands had to register through the school and were invited to play, they couldn’t just show up. All are extremely talented and some played the WRRV Stage at the General Montgomery Day festivities this past summer. Valley Central gets it. This isn’t the first time the school has hosted an event like this. Almost a year ago.

it held a “Battle of the Bands” and will be hosting another one March 14. It’s one of the few schools around that provides a space for bands to play. “The only places they can really play is across the river and they have to be a certain age,” says Vera Eichele, treasurer of the All-Night Grad Committee.

“There’s stuff for the athletes, but there’s really nothing for kids who have their own bands.” Eichele says there’s no problems at these events and the kids show up to support their friends who are in bands. “The kids are great. They’re here to hear the music and hang out,” Eichele says.