Musical fundraiser at Smith’s Olde Bar on May 1
During these frantic and uncertain times, it is often difficult to disconnect and become part of something bigger than yourself. Josh Rifkind is a kind soul who wants to make being part of something worthwhile much, much easier. May 1 was the second date of this year’s incarnation of the Rifkind-organized 500 Songs for Kids and, if the evening was any indication of what is to come, the event is bound to be another roaring success. From the onset three things became very clear: the event was most definitely for the kids, the diversity of the music was amazing, and everyone (whether they’ll admit it or not) loves a good old-fashioned sing-along.
The positive energy was flowing upstairs at Smith’s Olde Bar well before the first act hit the stage. The crowd was ready to be entertained, to dance and definitely to sing. Faithless Town started off slow with their rendition of Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf,” but quickly upped the tempo to get the crowd moving. The ’80s nostalgia continued to shine as Blaming Tim nailed The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” and Blue Screen Love Scene added a bit of indie sentimentality in their version of Foreigner’s “I Want to Know What Love Is.”
The evening was sure to please any palate as the diversity of the music continued to amaze with a healthy array of Motown classics. Chanticleer Fox’s performance of The Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” was a sweaty, energetic romp that nearly knocked the audience to the floor. David Fountain’s clever wit and style shone through on a phenomenal cover of James Brown’s classy “Sex Machine.” The incomparable Francine Reed blessed the lucky audience with a sublime performance of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.” Francine possessed a true sense of grace and charm that clearly struck a chord with all involved. Leaving no musical stone unturned, the show provided skull shattering metal (Attila’s cover of “Angel of Death” by Slayer was amazing), adult contemporary classics (Patterson Hood simply crushed the well received “In The Air Tonight” by Phil Collins), and even some contemporary indie-rock hits (Sunset Soundtrack with a solid reworking of “Molly’s Chambers” by Kings of Leon). While the fun and merry-making clearly were in abundance, the true cause of helping improve the lives of children was never taken out of focus. The call of 500 Songs for Kids was loud and very clear; use whatever you were given to make a difference in someone’s life. 500 Songs for Kids continues nightly at Smith’s Olde Bar through May 9.
