 Gettin' Schooled
I am the biggest jerk in the world. When Matty and I were walking over (keep in your mind that I have never heard of the School of Rock before) I asked Matt “… if they suck can we leave early.” I had NO IDEA that these kids are pretty much 100% better then half the bands we see. I just wanted to slap myself after I saw them play. These kids are going to be on the cover of Rolling Stone someday.
After the show Matt and I talked with Carl and Tammy from the Portland Paul Green School of Rock. We learned that there were 26 kids on this tour from Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Denver. They kids can range from ages 8-18. The craziest part…when they pick the cream of the crop (the 26 kids) they only get to rehearse together for two days before the tour. They are that good! Plus it seemed like a good amount of the kids could all play different instruments or could play an instrument and sing, multitalented. Carl said they are the hardest working kids. The kids had more confidence and positive energy then a lot of the bands we see.
 Saturday is the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, they wanted to recognize that throughout the night. The first song they played was “I Want to Take You Higher,” by Sly and the Family Stone. Which was the kids favorite and in their opinion the best performance at Woodstock. The young girl singing during Sly and the Family Stone also killed “Piece of my Heart” by Janis Joplin. It was phenomenal. She has some serious vocals, keep your eye out for her.
Outside of the Woodstock classics the kids blew us away with Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Who, Radiohead, and even Slayer. They also played a song in dedication to Les Paul who passed away today. Not only can the kids play the songs but they know the history behind the music and artists.
A little adorable blonde kid came on stage and asked the crowd “do you guys like slayer,” in the quietest sweetest voice. Matt whispered to me “He’s gonna kill it.” Yep, sure enough he sang Slayer like Tom Araya. During Slayer and Metallica the entire group who wasn’t on stage was rocking out and head banging along.
 We were asked to sing along during the last song; Carl got on stage and said during the original recording there were over 72 vocals. Any guesses on the song? Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. Freddie Mercury would’ve been so proud. The best part (other then singing along) was watching the kids who weren’t playing all perfectly head banging on the right note in the song… you know which part.
Overall the night was amazing. Chrisy and Michelle you rock for bringing this event in to the Empyrean. My mouth was open in awe for most of the night. I wish I was this cool when I was a kid. It’s so great that there is a program like this around. I hope I can see the tour come through again with new kids and new music. I wish the kids the best of luck and I hope they enjoy the rest of the tour! You all were fantastic.
Check out more photos from the show here!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
