 Fly Me To The Moon
Sometimes the media is wrong, and they say things like the Rocket Market caught on fire and now it's not open. Well one part of that statement is true. Yes, there was a fire but no they aren't closed - they are open!
Tonight was the first Firepalooza 2009. Featuring Rajah and Kim w/Caroline and Patrick from Mon Cheri, Kevin Long and Darin Hilderbrand also known as Just Plain Darin. All of the artists were playing for free and taking donations. I thought that was very kind of them to play on a Saturday night for no cost!
The Rocket Market may just be one of my new favorite music venues in town. With a beer selection like Huckleberry's and most beers under $1.50 how can you not enjoy a cold one under the sky on a cool summer night.
The food selection is just as delightful. They have a full bistro and a dessert cooler that looked delicious. It is a funky hip market that carries everything you would need to fill your tummy with tasty natural food, entice your taste buds with sweets and fill up your car with gas! Outside the market the asphalt parking lot was roped off and covered with chairs and tables... oh and lots of people, kids and dogs.
 The environment is what made the night perfect, well that and music. Everyone was enjoying a beverage of their choice and eating fresh berries, pop-corn, and anything you could imagine. People were super friendly letting kids play with their dogs, sharing pop-corn and I even enjoyed a strawberry from the couple next to me. There were birds in the sky, tall trees in the backdrop, the sun, stars and even some mosquitoes.
Kim and Rajah took the stage first. These two complete each other perfectly. Their music was mellow, fun, and even a little bit romantic. Caroline and Patrick from Mon Cheri joined them at one point and it reminded me of the Mon Cheri CD Release Party. It sounded very sophisticated. The four of them should have a side band because they sound wonderful together. The chemistry they have as a group and then with each other was flawless.
 Kevin Long graced the market with his soft vocals and guitar next. I guess he wasn't wearing a belt or socks. Playing songs by the Beatles, Elliott Smith, Fiona Apple, Neutral Milk Hotel, Iron and Wine... and of course his original pieces.
During one of Kevin's original songs Patrick from Mon Cheri joined him in singing along. It was cool to see another local artist known a local artist's song by heart. The night was very casual and intimate. I really enjoyed how most of the artists would hop up on the stage and chime in here and there.
Led Zepplin couldn't make it so, to bring down the sun for the evening was Darin who was also the super cool sound guy! Just Plain Darin enriched the evening with a little bit of a faster paced guitar and rich vocals. His fan club/stalker was in the front row to cheer him on along with the rest of us.
Darin played original pieces for us and covered a wonderful song that is a favorite of Matt's and mine, Neil Young's "Heart of Gold." Darin brought all of his sound equipment for everyone to use and was kind enough to run sound for the night.
 All of the artists that played were perfect for the market, environment and the audience that listened.
I am so excited because Som is going to continue to put these on with the Rocket Market and there will be live music on Sunday's and so much more. The next concert will be the first Sunday in June with Mon Cheri, bring the kids and dogs and enjoy a night of musical amour and delectable treats.
Thank you Som from the Som Show and thank you Rocket Market for putting on a wonderful Firepalooza 2009... and a BIG THANKS to the artists for taking up their time to play for FREE, that rocks! The Rocket Market is located at 726 E. 43rd Ave on the South Hill - see you there!
Check out all our pics from the show HERE!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
