Local Music Bloggers Unite To Help Save Music Education
On Saturday afternoon, music bloggers united in Voltron fashion, banding together to raise money for music education. Stationed at Studio B, in Greenpoint, the After the Jump Fest featured a slew of great up-and-coming bands, and fund-raising raffles. A total of 9 bands shared 2 stagesthe lucky bands getting to play on the main stage, and the painfully unlucky ones stuck in the fiery hot back room of the venue. I was able to catch the first 5 bands of the dayTeenage Prayers, Jukebox The Ghost, Locksley, Bling Kong, and Golem. Each was unique and totally rocked but it was Bling Kongs very energetically sweaty performance in the back room that stood out as the moment of the day. Locksley had just gotten the main (air conditioned) room shaking with their 21st century Beatlemania vibe, and their audience participatory cover of White Stripes Hotel Yorba. The crowd of music bloggers and indie music fans funneled into the tiny little room in the back. Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, portraying an image of elegance that was quickly abandoned when the sweltering heat went into effect. Bling Kong, 8 members strong, miraculously squeezed themselves onto the tiny stage, and braved the hot temperatures, taking the crowd on the journey with their characters Snakedawg and Baby Blue. Fans responded positively, cheering the band along, while the Bling Kong army gave it everything they had. Drenched in sweat, and looking like they could pass out at any moment, the bands sex-charged lyrics and dynamic character shined more brightly than ever. And when it was all over, the crowd instantly stated lets go back to out to the air conditioning, and hurried out. It was a testament to Bling Kongs brilliance that fans stayed in the hotbox to watch them perform, when air conditioning was only a few steps away.
If youd like to donate money to help further music education in New York public schools, go to [Donors Choose] today.
Photo courtesy of [Jonny-Leather]