Great Time at Jay’s Farm Place

Saturday, I had the pleasure of hosting a concert in Sawyerville! I don't always talk about how much fun I have. So, when I do, you know it's real! Let me tell you.....

For starters, if you've never been Jay's Farm Place is nice.  It's right on a main roadway. So, getting in and out isn't a hassle at all.  Once inside, there's a huge pavilion for those who don't have tents but need shelter from the elements.  It sits a nice distance from the stage. So, it's not a hindrance to those who want to sit in front of the stage or for those who want to turn the immediate space in front into a dance floor.  At this farm, there's also a building that has been made into a women's restroom, complete with stalls and a sink. The owner, Mr. Tinker, said he wanted his facilities to serve his customers with dignity and comfort.

Now, Saturday's show was a make-up for the show that was scheduled for the 4th of July.  There was a massive power outtage in Sawyerville that day. So, none of the acts were able to perform.  Tickets sold for that day were accepted at Saturday's concert.

Saturday's show began with Alvin Garrett.  Right now, his single "By Myself" is sweeping the charts, but Alvin sang a number of the songs that he wrote for Joe including "I'd Rather Have Love" and "If You Lose Her."  He also performed songs from his upcoming cd. My favorite by far was "Gimme My Money."  Be on the lookout for that one! His finale was "By Myself," which the crowd loved. Some sang along. Others were introduced to the song for the first time.  Never the less, the newcomer to the scene left a lasting impression. By the end of his set, everyone was relaxed and ready to have a good time.

And what a good time they had!!! Lebrado took the stage, but he didn't stay there.  He walked through the crowd, getting up close and personal. He sang all of his hits, too.  But when he got to "I'm Missing You Babe," it's like the crowd took on a mind of its own! Oh, they partied! But somebody messed up and said that there would be a $100 twerk contest.  You know, he says, "Come on. Twerk that, twerk that thang" in his song "Fire." A hundred dollars to the best twerker? I'm sure you can imagine what happened.

Well, while the crowd was already hyped, I called a man on stage.  He'd been enjoying himself from the very beginning of the show, and I'd made little remarks about him and how much I was enjoying his presence.  When I came off stage, one of his nephews told me that he was a performer and that if we played Johnny Taylor's "Who's Making Love," his uncle Jimmy Mitchell would PERFORM!!! So, I called Mr. Mitchell to the stage. Baby, that man didn't let me utter another word. He came up, took my mic, introduced himself to the audience, and LLLOOORRRDDD when he heard "Who's Making Love" come through those speakers....

I had to back completely up!  Mr. Mitchell put on A SHOW!!! You hear me? Well, read what I'm saying, but you know what I mean.  I mean, he ran from the left to the right, he stopped in the middle of the stage, dropped down low, popped it a little, hopped back up, and I mean he performed!!! The crowd went nuts! It was like having a surprise act on the ticket.

Now, remember this show was supposed to have taken place on the 4th of July, and we all know one highlight of the 4th: FIREWORKS!!!

So, while DJ K-Swagg played music to get the crowd pumped, the event organizers let off some fireworks before Sir Charles took the stage.

Sir Charles was Sir Charles.  A good, down-home performer.  He had fans trying to come on stage, and he just let them have a good time.  He didn't try to shield himself or have security to strong-arm the fans. He made sure everyone was comfortable and that they got the show they came to see. The audience sang along as he performed hit after hit. The crowd talked to him, and he talked back! Good "grown folks talk!"  The show was going so well that it started raining in the middle of Sir Charles' set, and at least 90% of the crowd stayed right there....PARTYING! By the time Sir Charles left the stage, we were drenched AND DID NOT CARE!!!

The rain stopped just before Sir Charles finished.  The dj kept the music going and gave Denise LaSalle's band time to set up. Ms. LaSalle came to the stage and flat out sang all night.  Now, this was my first time seeing her live.  If you've never seen her live, the next time she's anywhere near you, GO!  She reminds you of the aunt that tells everything like it is.... Without a filter! I've always listened to her music, but now, there will never be a time she's near me and I miss her show.... Especially when she brought out this 34-year-old young man. She was just hugging on him, and he was hugging her back.  My first thought was, "He ought to be ashamed of himself!" But after he danced for us (and Lord did he dance), she introduced him as her son.

This closed out the concert, and the after party immediately began.  I didn't stay for the after party. Had to get home to my little lady.  But Saturday night's show..... If you missed it, I honestly feel sorry for you.