Bud Light hosted its Downtown Live series last Saturday in Raleigh. The music started at 3 p.m., with 5th Generation, followed by Sam Fisher.
The atmosphere was family-friendly with a crowd full of children dancing and running around the area. The five beer tents were a bit superfluous with so many children present. The atmosphere took a chill turn when Michael Glabicki, of Rusted Root, came onstage. The hardcore fans sang and danced by themselves, while others laughed at them. The best song Glabicki played was from the movie Ice Age,a song that most of the crowd was singing and dancing to.
Next up was Jimmie’s Chicken Shack, the highlight of the night. The showmanship exhibited by Jimi Haha, the band’s lead vocalist and guitarist, rocked Moore Square Park. The set list included songs from the band’s sophomore album Bring Your Own Stereo, like String of Pearls. The song is about a relationship where a girl doesn’t appericate the efforts of her boyfriend.
“It’s worth so much more,” Haha said as the fans sang along.
Lazy Boy Dash was another crowd pleaser. The crowd sang for the band, “I’m a lazy boy there’s no doubt about it/might take a miracle to get me started.” Haha displayed his skill in songs like “Making Babies,” a song about how the original members of the band have left to become wonderful fathers instead of wonderful musicians.
“I love Raleigh,” Haha said. “I love the park and it’s free!”
Before leaving, Haha imparted a gem of wisdom, “Don’t swallow bottle caps!” The crowd cheered, showing their love for Haha.
Some of Jimmie’s Chicken Shack fans and fellow musicians Jeff and Grant Scheuring, students at UNC-Chapel Hill, illustrated the rock star-esque power of the band.
“When we saw them in Pittsburgh six years ago the whole crowd ‘lied’ on their backs for the song ‘Let’s get Flat,'” Grant said.
The concert’s atmosphere gradually changed from families to college students and adults. “The atmosphere and such seemed very chill, good for us college kids.” Ross Hays, a graduate student in nuclear engineering, said. “The beer selection was a little paltry, but the crowd was fun.”
The series called Downtown Live goes on every year, according to Tim Garrity, a volunteer for the series. Garrity said the beer sales from last year pay the artists who attended the series this year. The City of Raleigh gets a wholesale discount from Bud Light on the beer. Volunteers, who work for donations to charities like the Special Olympics, sell beer, according to Garrity. Garrity also said that there are free movies in the park every other Saturday, with free popcorn. The movie is showing June 17 at 8:30 p.m. at Moore Square Park.