Rock legend Alice Cooper is a name synonymous not just with electric stage performances, but now with his dedication to nurturing the talents of young individuals in Goodyear, Arizona. According to a recent episode of the City of Goodyear's podcast, "Growing Goodyear," Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Center offers West Valley teenagers a haven for artistic expression, free of charge for those aged 12 to 20. The center provides an array of opportunities, including music lessons, open mic sessions, and art and dance classes, all designed to unlock the potential within each aspiring artist.
Alice Cooper’s sentiment, "These kids have all got talent, you just have to mine it. Bring them in and say ‘try everything’," suggests a belief in the boundless potential of youth, waiting just beneath the surface. This commitment to empowerment through the arts is encapsulated in the transformative experiences shared by the staff and the teenagers that frequent the Solid Rock Teen Center. In a statement obtained by the City of Goodyear, Cooper emphasized the center's impact, asserting, "And then they try it and all of a sudden they go ‘oh, I’m a drummer’. And the next thing you know that kid is here every day and breaks the cycle of what’s happening on the streets."
One such success story is Jameson, a former teen attendee and current staff member at the Solid Rock Teen Center, who has transitioned from utilizing the center's resources to mentoring the next generation of artistic talent. Jameson's journey from participant to mentor serves as a testament to the center's impact on shaping life trajectories. "Come once just to see if you like it, because you’re going to regret it if you don’t come here," she recounted, as noted by the City of Goodyear.
or those interested in listening to the stories and the impact of the Solid Rock Teen Center, the full episode of "Growing Goodyear" featuring Alice Cooper is available for download on popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and Amazon Music.
