As it turned out, last week I had lots and lots of kids on the stage, three sets full. I've said it before, but I'll say it all over again, I love that Market is such a kid-friendly performance venue. I also love giving the next generation of musicians a place to start. I'll be needing them when I'm a little old lady and all the musicians I know and love now are little old folks too. We'll likely be happy to sit back and watch the youngers play. Maybe the youngers will do the booking and run the sound board too.
We started out with the Harris School Marimba bands - the Mangos and the Bananas - directed by the delightful and amazing David Adee. They sounded great, and I got to see Noah, a kid I first met when he was just barely born, have his first Market gig. Pretty exciting!
Then the latest edition of the Youth Music Showcase, organized so deftly by Beth Rose. This is Jade and Shanti Stewart and a friend playing classical music.
Then Quinn Souther and Hannah Washington singing a couple of contemporary hits.
Then Quinn played with his band One-Eyed Doris, switching for a song with the drummer. These kids go to Roosevelt Middle School. I don't remember anybody having a functioning rock band when I was in Junior High...
Later on, The Employees of the Month, under the expert guidance of Tim McLaughlin, played their own set. They played a couple of times last year as well. I've got them on video playing Purple Haze, hopefully it came out well enough to post on YouTube. They are a real crowd favorite.
All in all, a satisfying musical experience for everyone. Whenever one of these kid-full days roll around I know this will always be a Talented Town.
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