Review by Kim Elliot. Photos by Ken Lackner.
Review and Full Gallery after the jump…
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up…
How do I begin to describe just how amazing the Big Bang Ball was this year? Well, simply put it was an amazing, one of-a-kind experience that I don’t think anyone would want to miss. The carnival-themed experience brought by the Big Bang Ball was held at the Goat Farm Arts Center on June 23rd. The venue was covered inch-to-inch in something fun to do and enjoy with a Vaudeville atmosphere. I know my words won’t do the Big Bang Ball justice in trying to explain this one-of-a-kind experience, but here goes:
As I walked down to the venue, the night began with a greeting with smiles and was warped into an old-fashioned carnival filled with hosts in top hats, tarot card readers, delicious foods, wines and beers and entertainment you can’t find anywhere in this day and age. And the vintage lofts and open building added to the old-fashioned carnival look that gave the Big Bang Ball an even more genuine vibe. There were people dressed as vultures and gorillas on display that made this vaudeville experience even more authentic.
The Coffee Shop at the Goat Farm served beers and wines that you could enjoy as you walked throughout the event; and Good Food Truck and Sugar Dolls were set up serving its finger-licking foods and sweets for those who built up an appetite. The tarot card/palm reader was there for those who sought clarity on their present and future. I was able to catch The Villain Family, Lera Lynn and Blair Crimmins and the Hookers perform.
The Villain Family had the entire venue bobbing their heads and dancing to their soulful and country music. Their lyrics were powerful and raw and their sound was unique and playful that gave them the all around sound I would describe as ‘a force to be reckoned with.’
Lera Lynn brought her soulful voice accompanied by strong and boisterous instrumentation that makes her sound come together perfectly. She captivated the audience with the first strum of her guitar, and the upbeat, modern sounds from the drums kept everyone moving their heads and reciting her raw and honest lyrics. She is nothing less than unique and inspiring in her sound that can’t be placed into a musical genre.
Blair Crimmins and the Hookers performed shortly after Lera Lynn and definitely ended the Big Bang Ball with a ‘big bang.’ Their music will remind you of music from the 1920s with sounds from the saxophone, piano, fiddle, banjo and guitar. You can’t help but move your feet and bob your head to their Vaudeville sound, which complemented the Cabaret atmosphere of the Big Bang Ball.
The Big Bang Ball was simply amazing, and I, personally, can’t wait until next year. It was a day filled with pure entertainment, a fun, artsy atmosphere and musical experience unlike any other.
Thank you so much for the lovely words! I am so glad you enjoyed it and we hope to be able to do this again next year.