Rocketown’s Raucous Ruckus, 2/27/10

If anyone was in the mood to do something a little out of the norm on Saturday afternoon, their best option was probably the Seventh Anniversary Party at Rocketown. Not only did this event feature 28 bands of varying origins and genres, but it also offered a dodgeball tournament, and free pizza. (Or at least it seemed like the right thing to do to just take some pizza). Bearing in mind that the main focus of Rocketown is functioning as a regional youth outreach, it could only be assumed that the audience was going to be a younger one. And indeed, it was. One would have thought that the Jonas Brothers were playing at the Sommet Center, what with the hundreds—more like thousands—of kids and teens, teeming through the streets of downtown. But the throngs were formed by skaters, gutter punks, metal fans, and all-around music lovers, (and let’s just say there wasn’t a single pair of wide-leg or flare jeans spotted in a 3 mile radius of Rocketown), so a Disney artist was out of the question.

The celebration was definitely a cultural eye-opener, especially for a 20-something that doesn’t know much about teens, skateboarding, or Nashville’s metal community. All of the kids were dressed way cooler than the kids most of us remember from our middle/high school days, and they also seemed unusually comfortable around violent dancing/moshing/diving, and listening to music that they weren’t familiar with, or that wasn’t necessarily the “cool” thing to be listening to. (Let’s be honest—these kids are going to make up the Infinity Cat crowd when they graduate from high school, so going to this party was merely preparation for the future). What stood out the most about the Rocketown youths was the overall sense of support and excitement for the music. It was extremely refreshing to see passionate musicians being rewarded for their efforts for once, by audience participation, and a mutual artist/audience attitude of appreciation, interest, and camaraderie. At a typical Nashville indie rock show at an 18+ or 21+ venue, it’s uncommon to see friends and fans that are dedicated enough to do things like carry around large signs for hours, advertising upcoming sets from their favorite bands, and actually have fun and enjoy what they’re doing. If only the older show-goers would follow the example of Saturday’s crowd, and play the part of the open-minded, fanatical, supportive music fan. (Perhaps Nashville local musicians would actually make some money playing shows). This was one of the more appealing things about the day, because who doesn’t appreciate kids being able to hang out in a healthy, safe environment, and enjoy quality music?

Girls Group Beauty Night!!

When: Saturday March 20th
What: Come get your hair, make-up, and/or nails done!
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm
Cost: Free!! Just bring your beautiful face and personality, and be ready for a good time!!

*If you’d like to get your hair cut or colored, and are under 18, you will have to have a parent come in with you to discuss what you’d like done. We’d hate for you to walk out with pink in your hair, only to get suspended from school the next day! ;)

6:00pm in the coffee bar Thursdays!

Come ready to share what you’re discovering in life, and ready to listen to what God is doing in other’s lives.