Live Music is Best!

At the Renton Farmers Market last Tuesday I stopped by to pick up some fresh veggies. I drive right by the Piazza downtown Renton most weekdays on my way home.

I’ve blogged about the Renton Farmers Market a few times but today it's about the music. As I drove by I could hear a small ensemble rocking out on an old Ramsey Lewis tune, The In Crowd. I parked my truck a few blocks away and as I walked back to the Piazza I could hear the music bouncing between buildings.

It was just after 6:00 pm and the Market closes at 7:00. I felt like I was late and hearing the music created a sense of urgency. I didn't want to miss anything. As I crossed the street and realized I was walking faster and faster I laughed out loud at myself (which got me a few odd looks). There’s nothing more exciting than live music.

Hey, it’s a group of guys I know from Renton. They threw a ‘pickup band’ together. There’s my friend John Giuliani again playing the standup bass. I just saw him a few weeks ago at the Lakeshore Retirement Home playing bass and accordion with a different group.

I enjoy this kind of music making. It's like playing a pickup basketball game. These guys are great players and know their craft. What the audience is doing determines the next song as they make up the show as they go. It's a wonderfully unpretentious atmosphere where everyone young and old can relax and enjoy being together on a summer evening, listening to music, surrounded by all kinds of fabulous things to eat.

Nobody gets that better than kids. Out of nowhere this bunch assembled themselves in front of the band. It didn't matter to them that the music was mostly from their grandparents generation. It was fun and away they went dancing, playing, laughing, holding hands, having a blast.

The top of the evening was a rousing 'audience participated' rendition of Bye Bye Blackbird. We were hysterically lame and mumbled through the lyrics, but when the verse came round we all chimed in loudly and with great enthusiasm Bye Bye Blackbird, followed by a wave of laughter.

A great way to spend a summers eve.
Pack up all your cares and woe, here we go, singing low...