The opening act, Mike Midwestern was quite a surprise. I thought it would be He Is We and then Bryce Avery. Mike and his friend, sorry I forgot your name, did quite well. His songs were very good, well written and easy to understand. He reminded me of Peter Himmelman. I asked him after the show if his music was at all influenced by Mr. Himmelman. He said that it wasn't, and I excused myself for comparing the two. I try not to group artists together whenever possible. All artists have their own identity and strive influence people to recognize it. Five stars for Mike and his friend. Ten stars for his work with charities and letting me have his CD for a good price.
He Is We is the act that I took my daughter and her best friend to see. They are very avid listeners of the acoustic duet. My daughters friend(Rachels biggest fan), turned me on to them a few weeks ago. Now I find myself humming or singing their songs through-out the day. They (w/Henry on the Cajon) did an excellent job, the crowd seem mesmerized by their melodic and sometimes haunting lyrics. I particularly enjoys songs that give you the sense that they are either written for you or that the song writer is in some cosmic way, your kindred spirit. When words flow from songs like they were stolen from the very fabric in your soul, then they are worth their weight in gold. Five stars for the everlasting songs that will fill my nights for eternity. Tens stars for Rachel giving my daughters friend Ashley, a hug and absolutely making her spirit soar.
The Rocket summer was unexpectedly great. I had never heard Bryce before. Sorry Bryce. I was very taken with his personality, talent and humor. He told stories that made you feel as if you were his best friend. I particularly enjoyed the song where he played all the instruments and sang. I had never seen that before and it was great. Five stars for Bryce and ten for his humor.
For the roadies and people behind the scenes, 20 stars. The talent out front shines brightly. You have so much to do with that.