What does it mean to express your teenage self? That’s what the teen organizers of the Get Your Be Loud On showcase asked performers to do. And last night they delivered a perfect storm of youth, music, exhilaration, anxiety, and community. Raw rock bands, sincere sing-songwriters, polished acapella groups, and a dance number dedicated to Sophie brought a huge variety of sounds and teens together.
18 high school acts each had 10 minutes and they all made the most of it; they were, after all, playing the main stage of the Cat’s Cradle. With songs ranging from originals to covers of Green Day and “Wagon Wheel” and wearing leather jackets, bow ties, and shaggy mop tops, their enthusiasm was infectious and the crowd roared. And all the connections to Sophie were moving: musicians she went to Ephesus with, fellow dancers from Studio A, ukuleles, improv, and photography.
It was a free show, because the organizers wanted to build community more than raise money. Yet, somehow, they managed to raise over $1,600. Huge thanks to Mia, Katie, Anne, Leah and the whole Be Loud! Club at East. And to Frank for giving us the Cradle for free on a Saturday night.
It was a truly loud event.