The Winter Wonder Jam, hosted by a series of volunteers, teachers, artists, and musicians who were willing to contribute their time to raising money for Park Street Academy, took place at Fry Springs Beach Club on March 6.  Performing bands included the Rick Olivarez Trio, the Wave, Sun Dried Opossum, the Rogan Brothers Band, Chickenhead Blues Band, Eli Cook, Matt Horn, and Book of Job.  The music was exceptional, and I really enjoyed listening to a variety of live musicians for such a dignified reason. 

Volunteers associated with the Park Street Academy included Eli Cook, an exceptional guitarist, and George Andrews, a phenomenal artist.  There were paintings, food, and other works for sale in hope of raising funds for the Academy. 

As I educated myself about Park Street Academy, I was very much impressed by the mission statement, which reads, "Our vision is to create a school to nurture the talents, creativity, and spirit of young people through excellent teaching and character development." 

It is a private, nonprofit school for grades 9-12 and integrates traditional academics with the fine arts.  Fry Springs Beach Club vision statement states, "As a social organization, Fry Springs Beach Club promotes recreational, social, athletic, literary, and educational activities for the benefit of its members and their guests." 

With such a union and the amazing band lineup, I was in for a major night of community camaraderie, stellar live music, and the memorable reverberations that I will never forget. 

As I arrived at Fry Springs Beach Club, I checked my watch and it read 3:15 PM.  When I rolled into my hotel that evening at 1:30 AM I was exhausted, but the night's experience was indeed well worth it.  Each band added its own flavor and layered the evening extraordinarily well with the other bands influence.  The venue provided the most relaxed scene I have ever attended because there was plenty of space, a nice stage setting, and a diverse crowd that took its pace.  The evening was softly lined with playing children, yet still party friendly.  As the evening progressed from early to late, soft to hard, nice to naughty, the night transformed along with the music.  I had an intense ten and a half hours of assorted events that fit many of my elemental moods and gave me one hell of a night.  I enjoyed seeing the night start off soft and chill; however, later that night the lovers emerged and the bands started feeding off the energy of the saucy adults in the crowd. 

The Wave kicked off the night as the young, exuberant talent that included a sax and "that" consistent girl drummer, Avery S.  The Rick Olivarez Trio gave romantic, dueling acoustic renditions, and Sun Dried Opossum as always stunned me as one of the most magnetic trios to be found in this area.

The Rogan Brothers were next and provided their beat that made everyone immediately start dancing and getting in tune with the groove of the moment.  When Chickenhead Blues Band took to the stage, their funky punch enticed everyone, getting the adults to break out and loosen up.  Eli Cook started afterward with a performance of his gritty, sexy voice, along with his electric proficiency upon his guitar that made everyone feel gritty and sexy as well.  The energy of the crowd, at this point, definitely started to heat up.  Matt Horn and the impressive accompanying horn section along with Andy Rowland from the Chickenhead Blues Band, urged everyone to seriously get "back in the game," and take it to an entirely different level.

Book of Job sealed the intensity of the night, when they concluded the Winter Wonder Jam with a rock and roll hammer!  It was a party for the music lovers that lingered until the end, and I was seriously impressed with the energy after such an intense evening.  All the girls were swooning over the good-looking band, and the entire fundraiser could not have ended any less perfectly. 

As I walked around that evening, I encountered a man name Ed who spoke very highly of the efforts of the Park Street Academy and Fry Springs Beach Club's endeavors.  "It's all about the children," he said, which was a verbal confirmation on the apparent efforts that it took to host the Winter Wonder Jam.

Everything from the excited children and the homemade cookies to the rockin' energy of the bands and their killer musical compositions exuded care and consideration.  It was a pleasure and an honor to be apart of an experience where the music soared and gave birth to a righteous cause.  The music captured me, and I felt the special nature of the Charlottesville music scene.  Charlottesville music connoisseurs give me a feeling of hopeful pride.  It was incredibly important for everyone that Fry Springs, the bands, and local volunteers worked so well together.  They deserve more recognition that I can give. 

I hope readers will contribute in any fashion to either Park Street Academy or Fry Springs Beach Club.  That night is etched in the minds of both myself and my photographer, Michael Ponzini - talking about music, having a couple beers, and enjoying each band that graced us with their infinite talents and energy.  I thank you very much for letting me be apart of such a worthwhile, community endeavor.  I wish Park Street Academy and Fry Springs the best.

For further information on Park Street Academy, contact Vanessa@parkstreetacademy.org

fsbc.net. 

By Author and Staff Coordinator: Helen Brown

Although originally from Marion Junction, Alabama, Helen has been living in Ivy, Virginia for the last three years, because she absolutely loves the Blue Ridge Mountains.  She attended Emory and Henry College, in Emory, Virginia, gaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology.  Helen moved to Charlottesville on a whim because of the unique music scene, interest in the Food and Wine Industry, and the desire to incorporate music into her professional aspirations.  She is looking forward to listening to an array of eclectic music, observing the local talent, and meeting some interesting people, while working with the Magazine33 team!  See you around town...

 

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