Artists Tour of Shelter Successful
Last Friday was the premier performance of the Shelter Storm Revue Tour. The foundation of 2100 Lakeside shook in time to the rocking out that occurred between the hours of seven and ten in the evening. There is no human language in existence that can capture the jubilation, I witnessed that night.
The show began a few minutes early because the snowballing anticipation took control and sparked an electric explosion of sound from Progeny. Within seconds, the crowd was on their feet clapping and swaying and singing along with the 12-piece outfit.
I would like to take a moment to point out here that I had previously said in an interview about the show that ideally, it would be wonderful if people were jumping up and down and dancing on the tables. However, I didn't expect such a reaction and was going into it expecting a low-key intimate performance. In reality, no one was dancing on the tables. However, that was only because there was enough room on the floor for dancing.
Then came the harmonica player whose name I did not catch. He was a resident who asked if he could play with Progeny, and they allowed him time to show off his chops. If I ever hear a better harmonica player in my life, I will have died and gone to Chicago blues heaven. I cannot express my amazement at his talent without using a profanity, so I will just express it with symbols that can be translated as profane language: Holy #$@@*!
After Progeny came Lost Poet Black Hawk, a resident who kindly asked if he could take the stage to bear his soul before his fellow people. He strung sentences together with words and alliterative beauty not unlike how one weaves a tapestry with thread and needle. The single poem he read was the perfect bridge between Progeny and the following act, Gary Nelson.
Mr. Nelson is far and above one of my favorite local Cleveland musicians. He failed to disappoint with his Celtic flavored tunes that struck the crowd dumb as they tightened in close for a good listen. Gary brought many smiles and nods as he regaled the gathered troupe with ballads of greed and struggle. His sound was broken only once to allow Lost Poet Black Hawk one more knock-down poem.
Next was Meagen Huelsenbeck, preaching like Paul between poems that brought her Gospel fire to light. Her time before the 2100ers was short, but it drew forth many amens and grunts of agreement from the spectators ensorcelled by her evangelizing.
Closing the show for the night was myself. I like to think I was amazing, but I am hardly an unbiased observer. I was told I was on fire and those that heard me seemed to thoroughly enjoy it. Regardless, I call the show an outstanding success. The audience could not believe what they were hearing and I could not believe what I was seeing. If this an accurate representation of the norm, I cannot wait for our next show Tuesday, April 4th at the VOA shelter.
Josh
P.S. Artist who would like to participate in an upcoming show can call Josh Kanary at 216/432-0540 and leave a message at extention 404.
Posts by Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless staff and Board.
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