When you go on assignment to different events find yourself anticipating what you think it’s going to be like. Then you pull up to the venue and you start making assumptions about what kind of show it is. Walking up to the Moose Lodge in Oceanside California I could hear the sounds of music already being played emanating from the entrance. It sounded as though three pianos were dueling each other as The voice of a female lead singer was carrying the tunes. Now walking through the VIP area towards the main event room to the right and left years of bygone memorabilia perched on the walls looking down upon the patrons Setting an atmosphere of smooth rock n Roll vibes. To my surprise it was one piano being played so eloquently while vocal melodies chiming over it soothed the soul and fell upon my ears. It took me a second to realize that the piano player holding the attention of the room with ease was none other then Rachel Flowers. Ask around, Google her if you will, she is a woman with more talent than five musicians would know what to do with. She ended her set with one of the most beautiful renditions of purple rain I have ever seen performed besides getting to see Prince perform it at the forum years back. Upon her leaving the stage I ordered a drink from the bar awaiting what was next. Carl Palmer was announced to come up on stage for presentation of all of the amazing artwork perched on tripods and easels set up around the performance room.
Known for his amazing drumming ability showcased in legendary bands such as Emerson Lake & Palmer, and rock pop staple Asia. After a quick introduction Carl Palmer stepped up onto the stage being handed a wireless microphone, and such an intimate setting after about 30 seconds he said the microphone down behind him turned back around towards the audience and said how about I just speak to you like we’re all hanging out in an art gallery. And began walking towards his first art piece sharing a story about each piece of art hanging in the room I could not help but smile knowing there’s a story behind each piece and we only got to brush over the bullet points of each story. One of my favorite pieces he presented was when he spoke About a colorful work entitled “Heat of the Moment” Named after the Asia song. She made it a point to explain to some of the audience that wasn’t our connoisseurs of how the paintings are printed reprinted and only given special runs. Meaning there are only a few of these art pieces available, giving them even more value. all of his artwork that was presented was printed on actual canvas off of an industrial size IBM printer and done so beautifully that one wouldn’t realize and could’ve been mistaken as actual paintings.
Rachel Flowers
After the presentation I adjourned to the foyer where I was given an opportunity to interview Rachel flowers in the upstairs lounge. In the 10 minutes I had with her I was exposed to the amazing personality of a person who is never been able to see and only able to take in a world of sound and touch. If you ever have a chance research the documentary “Hearing is believing” watch it. This amazing auto biographical take on the life she lives, reveals how impressive it is that she continues to overcome in an industry that is more sight than sound these days. What an unforgettable experience the night was, with perspective placed on a truly unique set of individuals I looked forward to the second half of the event which would take place two days later at the famous and locally loved Belly Up tavern in Solana Beach.