Live Music Movement’s Very First Down Home Day!

This summer Live Music Movement Foundation is hosting a series of impromptu, pop-up events that are accessible to people of all ages with the goal of building community goodwill and having some good old-fashioned fun. In partnership with Hoot’s Smokehouse, LMMF hosted its very first Down Home Day event on Sunday, July 29th and sent the month of July out with a bang. There was live music, great food, and loads of family-friendly fun.  The pop-up events are made possible by generous sponsors KAT’S KITCHEN, Anthony Brooks Plumbing Co., Priority Methodist Home Healthcare, LLC, Canal Healthcare Solutions, and Kathy Drayton, CPA. (Click Down Home Day Sponsors for more details.)

​The Music

The Down Home Day event wouldn’t be the same without the music. The live jazz jam session hit the right notes. No pun intended. It was the perfect way to cool down during the intense evening heat. As the musicians prepared for their set, there was an air of anticipation and excitement. Once they began playing, all eyes and ears were at their attention. The event format allowed various talented musicians to join the house band as they arrived at the event. Saxophonists Rodney Glover, Amir Lee and Darryl Richards took turns jamming with the band as well as Sebastian Morales whose skillful playing of the guitar was a welcome addition. Runyararo Fana was outstanding on the Djembe; it added to the overall enjoyment of the music. And of course, Leslie Drayton on the trumpet, Marcus Alexander on percussion, Weldon Scott on the bass, and Samuel Reid on the keyboards were remarkable as always. As one patron said, “They sound great! It’s as if they have been playing together for years.” When great musicians come together, they make great music. Patrons were treated to inspired renditions of “Sandu” by Clifford Brown, “Funky Mama” by Lou Donaldson and “Four” by Miles Davis among others classic tunes.

​The Barbecue

Hoot’s Smokehouse boasts a menu of deliciously smoked meats such as brisket, chicken, pulled pork, and ribs. The loaded baked potato with all the fixings was beyond delicious and filling. There’s a smoked and fried, sweet and spicy sauced chicken wing dish on the menu that’s highly addictive.  And don’t forget the peach cobbler that proved to be the perfect complement to end a meal or even as a standalone treat. The staff was friendly and efficient and there wasn’t a long wait for the food to arrive even though the event was very well attended. The atmosphere was fresh and inviting.

​Family-Friendly Fun

​There were a variety of games to choose from to demonstrate your skills and unleash your competitive spirit. Guests played Tic Tac Toe, and an UNO card game started a fierce but playful debate on what the correct rules and winning strategy were. Some guests simply chatted the evening away while others danced and showed off their best moves. Some of the youngest guests, not to be outdone hit the floor and gave the adults a run for their money. Guests snapped pictures and made new acquaintances. A good time was had by all who attended.

If you missed Live Music Movement Foundation’s first Down Home Day, don’t worry another one is in the works and will be announced soon. Stay connected and JOIN THE MOVEMENT today.