Leon Russell & Mon Cheri at Pig Out In The Park 2011 on Friday, September 2nd
Pig Out in the Park was packed last night, from kids to adults everyone had a plate bowl or cup in their hand and smiles on their faces. There were two bands playing at once tonight that we wanted to check out, Mon Cheri and Leon Russell. We first went to the Clock Tower Stage where the meadow was packed full of people all awaiting Leon Russell to take the stage.
Before Leon Russell took the stage Bill Burke came out to thank all of the people that helped and worked to make Pig Out in the Park happen. He also introduced Elisha Mitchell in singing our national anthem. It has been so long since I have seen someone sing the national anthem (over a recording) that it gave me chills. Elisha had an incredible voice and sang our national anthem perfectly. I stood with my hat off and my hand on my chest as I got goose bumps. Plus it was very cool to hear the entire group of people chime in with the last 8 to 10 words.
Leon Russell looked like a complete rockstar with his shades and cowboy hat on. We still can’t get over the fact that we saw him in concert! Leon Russell has worked with plenty of legends including Elton John, Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, B.B. King, Herb Albert, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison and hundreds more. The guy is an incredible song writer! Plus we do have to acknowledge the fact and congratulate him on being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this past March. Matt and I along with the hundreds of other people under our Clock Tower danced the night away to his set of songs! A few of the songs we danced too included “Sweet Little Angel,” “A Song For You,” “Jumping Jack Flash/Poppa Was A Rolling Stone/Kansas City,” and he went out with a bang beginning with “Great Balls of Fire” and then going into “Roll Over Beethoven!” Leon Russell’s band was top notch and everyone on stage looked like they were having a ball. It is so cool that Spokane had a free Leon Russell concert at Pig Out in the Park, way to go Bill Burke and Craig Heimbigner – that was a blast!
During the middle of Leon’s set we had to run over to the River Stage and check out our friends Mon Cheri! Tonight was a little different though because one of the bands member’s Caroline wasn’t able to perform. Now I will say they still sounded good, but it’s just not right when one member is missing from the band. However for the circumstances the boys of Mon Cheri worked it for the crowd and beer garden! They even got a couple to get up a dance, who danced very well at that! It was fun to sit with my friend Karyn and sing along and enjoy the cool crisp night. I definitely think Mon Cheri is one of the best local bands Spokane has to offer and they always put on a great live show! I bopped my head and sang a little back up vocals (on the bench) too “Too Hard Too Fast,” “Love Is Being Wanted,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “She,” and “Changes.” Mon Cheri was happy to be closing out the River Stage tonight at Pig Out in the Park, and as always it was a treat to see them live!
After spending Friday night at Pig Out in the Park I am looking forward to Saturday night with Carbon Leaf and a few others! Check out who is playing tonight HERE. Don’t forget to bring some cash so you can Pig Out… I am thinking about trying a deep fried oreo – yum! See you there!
Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.
