It was a great way to wrap up summer 2014. It was a warm August day and there was this really great energy in the air. There were lawn chairs and blankets as far as the eye could see. Dogs were everywhere…chasing Frisbees, owners and shade. The smell of BBQ wafted from the VIP tent. It was all the makings of a great night. And it turned out to be a great night indeed. The show began with the sweet sultry sounds of Tameca Jones as she belted out a cover of “Benny and the Jets.” People swayed to the music and sang along, enveloping themselves in the moment. As the evening began to dim, blue lights lit up the sides of the stage making it glow like an aquarium. This was when Shinyribs made their entrance. After postponing the show several times due to inclement weather they were finally hitting the stage for a farewell to summer. The audience began to crowd the stage. Suddenly hundreds of phone screens waved through the air lighting up the dark faces in the crowd. As Shinyribs and their back up dancers worked the stage the crowd got more and more pumped! Then it was time for our kids to join. Analissia, Celia, Carla and Juan took their spots and began jamming with the band for the song “East TX Rust,” a funky and bluesy anthem perfect for the atmosphere. The sound of Kevin Williams, the band, and our kid’s horns carried out to the crowd, spreading frenzy. Couples danced in the dark and people cheered. After the song they began chanting “One more song!” They couldn’t get enough. So one more song it was. They capped off the night with “Poor People Store.” The kids shined during a horn section solo; their instruments blaring soulful and energetic sounds to the eager crowd. Watching them, it was hard to believe that these kids were playing with musicians 2 or 3 times their age. They played seamlessly with instinct and confidence in front of the throng of 20,000 people; keeping up note for note. It was truly a memorable night not only for our kids, but for everyone who supports them. For their hard work really shone in the most spectacular way. Here’s to wrapping up a fantastic summer 2014!
