School of Rock

This past weekend was Arts Goggle, the twice-yearly celebration of art, artists and music in Fort Worth, Texas' Near Southside. The birds were singing, the sun was shining, music was in the air and people were everywhere (see what i did there with that rhyme? BOOM. Rap skillz).

It was a well-dressed day near Southside and my first stop for the day was Brandt Fitness and Self Defense, where the artistic beats of Johnny & The Delinquents were to take the stage at 5:30 p.m., sharp. I was running a few minutes late, so I figured I would walk up mid-set. I guess I didn't take into account that kid bands are timely because their parents are; bands of age are probably buying shots for chicks (like me) at the bar before they go on stage, which can cause delays.

As I approached the doors, I was taken back by the sweet, sweet (double sweet) sounds of insane face-melting guitar. My heart instantly began racing, and I swore I was about to walk into a muscly moshpit of crossfitters. Which sounds awesome.

Johnny & The Delinquents, with the Creative Soul School of Music, had their very first show that night and were absolutely excellent performers. The band consists of John Pence, 11, keyboard and vocals, Ben Wilson, 12, guitar, Thomas Crye, 10, on bass, and Kielee Dowell, 8, on the drums.

Shout out to Thomas Crye, the bass player. He rocked the house. There is certain spunk that a bass player has and Crye already has it!

J & The D had three band practices prior to their debut. They learned 4-5 songs to play for a lively crowd of 40+ people. My personal favorites they covered: Viva la Vida by Cold Play and Joy to the World by Three Dog Night.

Roscoe Justice, the student band director, commented on his talented students: "They're pretty amazing!" Well Roscoe, I couldn't agree more. What a great group of kids.

My next post: You get to hear about my wonderful evening with Luke Wade & No Civilians. Stay tuned friends!