VERO BEACH — Thunder and lightning could not dampen the spirits of an electrifying performance on May 11 at the VBHS Performing Arts Center.
A benefit rock orchestra concert, “Rochestra Rising!,” featured world renowned rock violinist Bobby Yang, drummer David Cannava, guitarist Tak Nakazawa, and a 120+ member orchestra representing Oslo and Storm Grove Middle Schools.
As all know who were present, a big storm went through before the concert just when the show was about to begin. After a quick weather check, there was no more rain (there was one transition where students had to briefly walk outside,) the director went to the right wing and was just about to cue students for places, then bam. Lights went out over the 500 people in attendance.
Everything after that was nothing short of heroic. Rising out of the darkness, the sweet sound of absolute music, though delayed.
The show must go on, and it did.
With minimal side auxiliary stage lighting, stand lights, and battery powered tea lights, the concert continued with its performance to a patient but delighted crowd.
Two amazing impromptu performances of “Purple Rain” and “Sweet Home Alabama” by Bobby, David, and Tak began the acoustic only performance.
Especially touching was the orchestra performance of Beethoven’s Symphony 7 (Allegretto,) reminiscent of its original premiere by candlelight at a benefactor concert in 1813, and the students played it with soul.
The lights briefly came on, then the thunder boomed again just before the piece began, and again at the first climactic moment. Some say it seemed a nod of approval from a higher power.
Finally, as the featured guest artists took the stage and were prepared to play 100% acoustically, something remarkable happened. After an almost 2 hour power outage, to the astonishment of all in attendance, lights flooded the stage; power and a/c returned to the PAC.
Bobby and his Unrivaled Players began their performance with Guns n’ Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine,” which wept with emotional intensity. Then Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir.” Oh, Kashmir, words cannot even fully describe the energy, drive, and perfect sync of all 120+ musicians on stage.
And lastly, many of the incredible songs were played from Bobby Yang’s new album “The Lost Cosmonaut.” It was a perfect blend of sounds delighting the ears of hundreds and pulling the heart strings of our being.
Several audience members, among whom included principal of Oslo Middle School Eric Seymour, principal of Storm Grove Middle School Jennifer Idlette-Williams, and School board member Karen Disney-Brombach, remarked on how proud they were that the students handled themselves both professionally and musically.
“I’m still half in awe, half in shock. I’m so inspired and proud of my students and so full of gratitude to so many that I was able to be part of this extraordinary musical journey. We will never forget and will draw inspiration from this experience for a long, long time to come,” said Richard Ballinger, director of the orchestras.
“Epic is an understatement. A greater power was with us tonight. This was a heroic and unpredictably cinematic evening we will be talking about for years, maybe decades to come,” added Bobby Yang, rock violinist who performs regularly with Kevin Costner’s band Modern West.
Because of the lack of available school funding for these community and life enriching programs involving over 200 students, the orchestras depend on private donations and sponsorships.
Some of the over 70 benefactors who supported this event’s fundraising enjoyed a meet and greet V.I.P reception with Bobby Yang before the show. The benefactor concert raised, before concert expenses, a total of $16,000 from sponsorships and ticket sales.
The proceeds will go towards benefiting the Oslo and Storm Grove orchestras.
The orchestra’s director wishes to again express his gratitude to all the local community businesses and individuals who supported this fundraiser.
For more information about Bobby Yang and/or to purchase his new album “The Lost Cosmonaut,” please visit www.BobbyYang.com.
Concert videos:
Here is Sweet Home Alabama by Bobby Yang that was taken by an audience member at the
concert during the power outage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD9UjyNHQ7o
Sweet Child of Mine:
Kashmir:
Encore, Helter Skelter:
