North Valley Music School hosts event looking behind music hits

North Valley Music School presents The Heroes Behind The Hits — Music and Tales from the Legends of Rock & Roll with musician Jimmy Ryan on Oct. 25.

With decades of working with some of the biggest stars in rock, Ryan will give audiences a behind-the-scenes look at how iconic hits are made in this fast-paced, entertaining, and educational presentation. Ryan has recorded and toured with stars such as Carly Simon, Cat Stevens, Jim Croce, Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Luther Vandross and The Doors. This year, Ryan was inducted into the Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award.

During the show, Ryan will pick up his guitar and showcase popular hits, telling the stories behind their creation and demonstrating the steps involved in how a raw song is refined into a hit by studio musicians. Ryan will also read from his book, “The Superstar Chronicles — Tales of Life Among Rock Royalty,” which is about his adventures with many of the A-list recording artists mentioned. Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase. The show concludes with a question-and-answer session.

The show starts at 7 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

“Jimmy’s presentation will resonate with both musicians and fans alike, allowing everyone more insight into the context and creative processes involved in music making,” said North Valley Music School Director of Opportunity Jessica Shaw.