I’ve been getting this one a lot lately.
- What is the Grayslake Oasis?
- What is my involvement?
The Oasis is a teen center / music venue in Grayslake, Illinois, next door to the ever-popular Tastee Freez (151 Hawley, Grayslake Il, 60030).
I got involved in late 2004, when my insurance agent (Joyce Campbell) she started a new NFP fundraising group, The Grayslake Youth Center. Their goal was to open a music based teen center.
At the time, over 20 local all-ages venues in the Northern Illinois area had been shut down, often due to the lack of village support, so I thought this could be a cool opportunity for the local scene. I offered to help put together a music festival (Rock in the Park) as a fundraiser. This both raised awareness for the cause, as well as started developing the bond with the local music scene. From that point forward, I was the music director for the Grayslake Youth Center board.
We spent the next 2 years hosting various fundraisers to help get us to the objective of opening a facility. In 07, it was announced that the city of Grayslake was to hand over the former Grayslake Park District building to our cause. This kick-started the progress to opening the doors of the student named teen center, The Oasis.
In late 2007, we started the renovations of the building, knocking out walls, and rebuilding it to suit our needs. We took donations from all over the state for things like chairs, desks, tables, booths, and more. By spring 08′, we had a fully functioning social center, with high speed internet, cable tv,
xBox, PlayStation, Wii, pool tables, foozeball, pinball, flat screen tv’s, and the best stage and sound system for any all ages venue that I’ve seen.
I had the task of procuring the sound system, installing it, and training employees how to use it. My close friend Pete Hansen (edge audio services) helped really ensure that it was accomplished on time, and that we utilized every piece of our gear purchase to it’s full potential.
Our doors opened up in April of 2008, and we’ve been a mainstay venue in the northern Illinois area ever since. I’m still involved, and I help oversee operations. This includes event booking, band relations, running sound, and system maintenance.
The Grayslake Youth Center board is still operational and continues to host fun events in the area. In fact, as of writing this blog, there have been two highly successful events within last two weeks. This includes the Grayslake Car Show, as well as the golf outing at Stonewall Orchard. Additionally, our float in the Grayslake’s Got Talent just took the award for Best Use of Theme.
We have some great things planned for 2011, so keep checking in at the Oasis website!
