SUMMERPALOOZA!!

(This post is the result of major homework procrastination)

SUMMERPALOOZA IS COMING!!

One week from TODAY.

Saturday, August 20th from 7 to 9 pm at our church

There will be an optional picnic dinner on the front lawn starting at 6 pm for families that want to make an evening out of it. Bring your dinner and blanket and come chat before the music starts inside.

Now, for those of you who haven't a clue as to what I'm talking about...here's a brief history lesson on the origins of Summerpalooza:

If you know my dad, you probably know that he is a talented musician AND published composer. What you might not know about him is that he has a little hobby...he takes popular music from the radio, listens to it and writes out the music for it. We're not talking sheet music for piano or guitar that you could buy at the store. He writes out the whole band part - we're talking authentic sound, here! :) One way that he uses these arrangements is in his profession as teacher - his choirs sing the songs, his pep band plays them, etc. Another way that he uses these arrangements is in putting on dances.

This tradition goes back to well before I was born...

I'm pretty sure this wasn't technically a dance, but you're getting the picture. Are you digging the recording equipment in the foreground? Oh...and my dad's awesome blue suit?

Then we were able to get into the performing when we were young kids. (This is my oldest brother and my dad doing "Woolly Boolly".) We would hang out backstage, sing our songs, and then a babysitter would take us home. (These were typically church dances for ages 14 and up so we couldn't stay.)

There was a break of several years...until my oldest brother got married. We decided to do live music for their reception (and at the receptions for the rest of our weddings, also). The fun part about the wedding receptions is that they were open to FAMILIES, not just age 14 and up. Do you remember my wedding reception??

I know...major fun, right??

My dad and brothers surprised me with an awesome rendition of "My Girl."

But besides the wedding receptions, over the past ten years since my oldest brother got married, our family band has played at my brother's mission homecoming, a family reunion, New Years Eve dances, other dances, and (of course) the original Summerpalooza:

We say "family" band, but we really couldn't do any of this without former students of my dad's...talented musicians who we consider part of the family now! :)

So if you want to have a bunch of fun, head on up to our church at 7 (or 6 if you want to picnic with us) on Saturday, August 20th. If you're not sure you want to go to the trouble, I just want you to know...

People have been known to fly to Oregon JUST for the occasion! :)

Still not sure?? Consider coming just so you can watch our kids bust a move. They've been brushing up on their dance skills:

Long story short, you are ALL welcome to come to Summerpalooza! If you have any questions, you know how to contact me!