Fundraiser finale features big-name acts
Saturday evening marked the 10th and final show of the 500 Songs for Kids benefit concert series at Smith's Olde Bar. It would be hard to imagine a more fitting and enjoyable conclusion to what has been a truly memorable occasion. All the hallmarks that have made this charity event a unique experience were present in great abundance last night: a heartwarming cause worth supporting, an incredibly passionate crowd and a vast array of talented artist performing great cover tunes.
Nothing gets a crowd (especially one soaked in beer and mixed drinks) ready to rock quite like Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” and The Lost Boys had the honor of bestowing Smith’s Olde Bar with their take on the tune. Taking the stage dressed in what could only be described as aqua-punk Scottish kilts, their energy and swagger were infectious. Not to be outdone, Death on Two Wheels unleashed a cover Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” that was so powerful, some members of the audience immediately forfeited their souls to the gods of rock and roll.
Local scenesters Trances Arc and Y-O-U both made memorable appearances with covers of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”, respectively. Local legend Injected were reunited for the first time in nearly five years when they played a decidedly hard-hitting version of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me." The joy and passion of a band playing together after such a long hiatus was moving, and the energy resonated throughout the entire building.
In what may have been the most random pairing of the night, Modern Skirts transformed Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power” into a song that was uniquely theirs. Complete with driving drums, energetic bass lines, and biting vocal harmonies, this cover was hard to classify, yet impossible to forget. Soulful hip-hop legends Arrested Development produced a performance of Sly & The Family Stone’s “Everyday People” that exuded such positive energy and excitement that the crowd seemed to unify together as one. It was a magical few minutes that left everyone feeling just a bit better about life—like the fundraiser itself.—Mike Vetter/Special to Metromix
