Fountain Square Music This Weekend – Tonic Ball Edition

Normally I'd list all the shows going down in Fountain Square this weekend (like the good show with Slothpop et al at the White Rabbit Cabaret tomorrow), but this post is all about the Tonic Ball, simply because it represents to me all that is good about my beloved neighborhood.

This event has never strayed from its roots in my beautiful district, and it's only gotten bigger and better as the years have gone on (thanks in no small part to FS-based business owner Ken Honeywell and his amazing board members and staff). It benefits a wonderful cause (Second Helpings, not in FS but just down the road and that's good enough). And it brings some of my most favorite musicians and people together to play music, both our own and the music of some of our most important influences (including REM, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson).

The construction along Virginia Avenue is almost done, and the Cultural Trail is finally starting to take shape. Visitors this evening will be able to see what a vital and invigorating place Fountain Square has become - I've seen so much improvement since I've moved in almost 6 years ago, and I love to share with visitors everything this place has to offer. I'm excited for the great businesses in the area and how many people they'll welcome this evening. And I can't wait to see Prospect Ave. overtaken by a huge throng of people making their way from venue to venue. Or maybe that's just the inevitable traffic jam outside Radio Radio. I dunno. In any case, welcome.

As excited about this event as I am, it's more than a little scary, too. I'm making my public solo debut tonight, and there's no drunk lead singer to distract the crowd this time. It's just two songs, it's a friendly crowd, and it's for a wonderful cause, but I'm still nervous, and no amount of practice I've done (and I've done a LOT) is going to mitigate that. So take it easy on me this evening, and let me get through it and just enjoy everything the night has to offer.