photos by Marla Moore, Bebe Besch, and Alex Crick
Nearly a week past this event and I’m just now getting around to it.
A few months earlier when Beat Connection found out they were playing Capitol Hill Block Party, they invited me to be a part of it. Safe to say I knew about it for a while but with the release and tour of their latest album, The Palace Garden, we didn’t talk about it until a few days prior. As with Sasquatch, I had never been to CHBP. I made my way to the main stage to mill around backstage and wait for the guys to show up. There I met two lovely people, John & Sarah. These two had just been touring with Beat Connection and White Arrows, creating a documentary series on the road. They also just put out BC’s new video for Palace Garden, 4am. Other notables: I stood a few yards away from George Lewis Jr. of Twin Shadow (our “green room” tents were adjacent) and met Claire Boucher of Grimes. I only found out a few days later who she was. And actually, I much prefer that it happened that way.
Before we went on, I had left to get off of my feet for a while because that morning I had been picking up trash all over downtown with a bunch of lovely people. Thus, tired bones. I got back and Beat Connection was already onstage sound checking. Oops. We did Think/Feel first and Reed introduced me afterward. The whole thing was a whirl. I had a blast while I was up there but the relief I feel after I’m done is what hits me the hardest. I will never tire of thanking Jesus for these opportunities! And Beat Connection, of course. It’s amazing and still blows my mind! LIKE THIS.
I had known beforehand that Chase Jarvis would be live streaming all performances on the main stage so my sister, mother, and a few friends got to watch while I was performing. Bless you Mr. Jarvis! I was tickled and so was my mother, haha.
Once off stage, I swam into the crowd to find some faces I knew and watch the rest of their set. It was quite an odd feeling to get so many stares and whispers. I can’t really say I know what it feels like to be a celebrity but watching the recognition, surprise, and excitement on people’s faces as I walked by was a bit thrilling and very humbling. It means a lot when someone takes the time to tell you they appreciated what you did! Anyway, BC killed their set and it was evident they were having a lot of fun doing it. My little heart swells with pride over their accomplishments. I remember going to see them as a twosome, first starting out. I don’t have to explain how far they’ve come, you can see and hear it. They’re all gems with mass amounts of talent.
Side note: SSG Music did a nice review, if you care to read. I pulled a few images from their post.
Twin Shadow was up next on the main stage which was fantastic. I’m not going to go into it because I didn’t catch the whole thing but it was a great performance and an honor to share the same stage. Check out the new album, Confess if you haven’t yet. I recommend Run My Heart.
The only other show I caught was White Arrows that evening at Neumos. As I mentioned, they just finished a tour with Beat Connection, thus the reason I’ve been listening to them. Also fantastic, and a great, lively performance. I only wish I could’ve heard them through the glorious sound system on the main stage. Someday, I say!
Other highlights: I heard an eagle man showed up during Neko Case (evidence, evidence, and more evidence), someone was carried out by medics during Think/Feel, and the security guards pulled water guns on the audience. I’m sure there were many more shenanigans.
If you came to see me or Beat Connection, THANKS. You’re awesome. I ran into a bunch of you before and afterward and I must say I’m really thankful to have beautiful friends like you.