For those about to rock... Ed Stephens instructs demon rockers-in-training.

Cleveland's branch of the Paul Green School of Rock Music opened its doors early this year to teach kids not only how to play instruments — any music store can do that — but how to form bands and be rock stars (worthy mission or corruption of minors? You decide!). Now it's ready for show time. "See the evil ones do their thing!" says school director Tommy Rich. Their debut performances take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 18 and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at the Phantasy Niteclub (11802 Detroit Ave., 216.228.6300). The just-recently-amateur performers, ranging from 9-19 years old, will be tackling no less than the Pink Floyd classic The Wall. Tickets: $7 advance, $10 day of show. The school also has two intensive, week-long summer camps coming up June 25-29 and July 16-20. Call 440.333.ROCK for info. — Anastasia Pantsios

Stahl tactics

Singer-songwriter and Cleveland Heights native Renee Stahl will play a handful of in-store performances at Barnes & Noble Booksellers nationwide following the release of her second solo album, hopeful.romantic. The new album finds Stahl, who's been compared to Norah Jones and Sarah McLachlan, mixing acoustic folk tunes and electronica beats with the aid of producer Hugo Vereker. This unique sound earned Stahl a spot as a featured national artist in Barnes & Noble's Discover Great New Music program. The bookseller will carry the new album exclusively in its 500 stores while Stahl makes appearances across the country, stopping here to perform at the Woodmere Barnes & Noble (28801 Chagrin Blvd., 216.765.7520) at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 19. — Tim Webb

Scalera CD Release Show

Not quite two years old, metal/hardcore quintet Scalera will host a CD release party at Peabody's (2083 W. 21st St., 216.776.9999) at 7 p.m. Friday, May 18 to launch its self-titled five-track EP. The band recorded the disc at It'll Do Studio in Niagara Falls this past February, after playing more than 40 regional shows in 2006. "We're starting a full-length in July," says band leader/guitarist James Skrtich. "We've got all the songs written but two." Cole Martinez of local metal band Years of Fire, who mixed the EP, will be producing. The release party will feature 10 other bands on two stages, all selected by Scalera. Tickets: $8 advance, $10 day of show. — AP

Just Plain Folks Symposium

The Cleveland chapter of the free online music community Just Plain Folks, which provides resources and networking for songwriters and performers, is presenting a showcase of original artists of all genres at the Symposium (11794 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216.521.9696) from 7-11 p.m. Thursday, May 17. It's part of its 2007 Road Tour, with similar showcases around the country. Each performer will play two songs, letting audiences sample a wide range of the area's musicians and possibly some from out of town (musicians can participate in any city they choose). Go to justplainfolks.org or e-mail local chapter coordinator Tracy Marie at jpfolks@tracymarie.com for info. It's free for participants and listeners. — AP

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