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Three Local Bands Entertain at Waco Wine and Food Fest Oct. 25
On Sat. afternoon, Oct. 25, over 1200 Waco area citizens visited the Art Center Courtyard and surrounding grounds for the 9th Annual Wine and Food Fest benefiting the Waco Humane Society.
Outstanding music by three local groups contributed to the festive event. ‘Beth and the Boys’ opened on the main stage with Texas Swing music as beautiful as the perfect fall Waco weather. Vocal soloist Beth Vivio entertained the crowd with several of my favorite songs - Crazy, Misty, and Over the Rainbow - fresh off her recently released CD. Beth sings artistically with a voice as smooth as silk. Accomplished musicians Ken Frazier and Bob Lott accompanied her timeless gems on guitar plus performed some dazzling guitar duets - Girl From Ipanema and Wave.
Next on the main stage was Waco’s hottest band, ‘Mustard Seed’, according to the City Review Magazine. This trio of seasoned musicians treated the audience with mostly immediately identifiable songs that contributed to adults dancing and singing as they walked around the beautiful outdoor Art Center area. I especially enjoyed Mustard Seed’s arrangements of songs from the popular groups Doobie Brothers, the Eagles, Hootie and the Blowfish, Bob Dylan, and the Dave Matthews Band. The leader Sherman Ayers played drums and sang musically with enthusiasm for over two hours. Mike Donohue, a solid bass player in all styles the group played -rock, jazz, blues, R&B and funk, also sang. Marcus Johnson, the talented lead guitar player also contributed to the vocal harmonies.
New this year at the Wine and Food Fest was the ‘Top Dog’ tent that featured food and wine from upscale downtown Waco restaurants, the Green Room Grille and Amelia’s, plus some high end wine. For an additional $20 donation, VIPs could enter this magical tent that also featured the music of the local group, ‘Brian and Jeremy’. This duo sang, played guitar and bongo drums to a variety of music. The appreciative audience clapped after every song encouraging the skillful musicians to give even more expression. I found myself enjoying the music so much, I forgot to enjoy the food and drink.
Comments
By Lorna Willhelm
October 27, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this
I had the privilege to hear Mustard Seed for the first time at the MACT “On Stage - Playin it Live’ weekend before last. Superb music and vocals!!! And such nice guys! Had the chance to have an extremely enjoyable visit with both Sherman and Marcus that evening!
If you have not heard this awesome group yet…don’t miss their next performance as you are sure to enjoy!
By Bob C
October 28, 2008 7:31 PM | Link to this
Backstage Pass Music Center will be opening it’s doors for the first time Saturday 11/1/08 @ 9.00 am 1300 Lake Air Ste 1 Waco 254.399.6533 www.backstagepassmusiccenter.com