Tricycle Music Fest West

The first annual Tricycle Music Fest West occurred October 10th on the steps of the Main Library in San Francisco. First off let me say what an amazing library this is. I'm used to the libraries in the podunk towns I'm more apt to utilize. Next, security is tight. I'm not sure why, but it is the civic center area of downtown San Francisco where many a famous protest has taken place and is home to the many odiferous downtrodden of the city.








More importantly, it was the site of the first Bay Area kid music festival - that I know of. It kicked off to an appropriate start with Charity Kahn and her amazing JAMband. Stellar musicianship along with Charity's unique ability to engage children to participate in her "music & movement" proved irresistable.







Frances England then brought her band out to perform her brilliantly perfect folk/pop gems that appeal to her preschool fans as well as her adult fans who may be even more enamored with her music.




The Devilettes brought their Pipsqueak A-Go-Go show and got the little ones and their parents go-go dancing to long forgotten dances of the '60's. It was great to hear the Time-Outs' "Pipsqueak A-Go-Go" theme song coming out of the speakers in anticipation of their show later that afternoon.

Our band, The Hipwaders, performed next but more about that later...



After us, The Time-Outs brought out their '60's Frat Rock sound - think "Wooly Bully". Their originals e.g. "Scooter Cats" & "Bathtime (is Party Time)" have "that" sound that makes for FUN kids music. They had terrific taste in covers (in my book) as proven by their choices in performing Jonathan Richman's "I'm A Little Airplane" and The Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird". They'd be first to admit they have no shame and that folks, makes for mighty fine entertainment!




Now we can't evaluate our own performance as that'd be ridiculous. You'll have to go elsewhere for that. However, we can say we had a blast and were fortunate to have Charity Kahn come out and help us sing the theme to "Sesame Street" and Frances England came out and sang her own "Books I Like to Read" as we backed her. Unfortunately, our show was marred by our a poor vocal mix (nobody's mic was as loud as mine!) so I'm unable to post any videos from those performances.

I am able to post these videos (although Zooglobble beat me to the punch!) even though drummer Nick's harmonies are still mixed way too low.

Lastly, we wish to thank Christy Estrovitz and the entire staff at the SF Library for hosting the show for the people of the Bay Area. Libraries ROCK!

The Hipwaders performing "Educated Kid"

The Hipwaders performing "Stand Up to the Bully"

The Hipwaders performing "Goodie Bag (excerpt)"