Thursday, May 1, 2008

The Concert Experience


A couple of years ago, a gentleman named Mark Davis got in touch with me about an event he'd been organizing annually at Trinity Middle School.

The Concert Experience is something that we never got as kids: an educational program aimed at letting youngsters know what to expect if they venture into the wonderful world of live music!

Several professionals in the music business, as well as law enforcement officials, were at the school today to explain various facets of what goes into performing, attending concerts, etc. I was fortunate to catch a talk by Pittsburgh legend Joe Grushecky, concluding with an acoustic a performance of the title track to one of his albums.


I also had a friendly conversation with Johnny Polansky, a Trinity graduate who's played percussion with some of my own favorite musicians. Check out his band, One Under.

After learning about the music biz and enjoying a "tailgate party" under a suddenly sunny sky, the middle school students were treated to the actual concert experience, by the Brass Knuckles Band, featuring music teachers from areas such as Uniontown, Connellsville and Hundred, W.Va.

The kids were in for a surprise, too. It was announced that the band's regular vocalist had been summoned to Florida on business, so up to the microphone stepped none other than Mr. Davis. He proved his voice was up to the challenge by opening with the Ides of March's hit "Vehicle."

I compiled a video documentary if the day's proceedings, if you want to see what The Concert Experience – at least, the one at Trinity Middle School – is all about.

And thanks again for letting me know about this, Mark!

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