If you don't know Barcelona, you should

Yesterday, I had the most fantastic time at my very first in-store music event.  No, I never did one of those with Five For Fighting....YET.  John Ondrasik tends not to do that sort of stuff much anymore, opting more for radio station sponsored appearances to promote his music.  The place was Silver Platters, a music store located in the Queen Anne section of Seattle, WA that buys and sells used CDs, DVDs and vinyl records.  I was there to see Barcelona, one of Seattle's best bands that hardly anyone seems to know about.  Now, how did I discover them?  Let me backtrack a bit.

About three years ago, I was doing a Google search, looking for anything new on Five For Fighting.  I stumbled across a review of Barcelona's debut album, Absolutes.  The reviewer mentioned one of their songs sounding like a John Ondrasik Five For Fighting song.  Curious, I checked out the song...and thought it didn't really sound much like John.  But, I did like the song enough to listen to a few more Barcelona tunes.  Well, I was so impressed with what I heard, I ended up buying the CD.  I played that CD a lot, but never got around to actually going to a Barcelona concert.  There had been a few in Seattle in the past few years, but things never worked out to allow me to go.

Then, things took an interesting turn last year.  In August 2011, Barcelona started a Kickstarter campaign to raise money to help promote their upcoming album. I thought it was a great opportunity to help support a local band who I had faith would continue to succeed in the music business.  In fact, I had such high hopes for these guys, I chipped in $500, which came with a lot of nice perks.  A digital copy of the new album, poster, T-shirt, vinyl record, acoustic and B-side song downloads, AND my name on the CD liner!  But, best of all, I'll be on the VIP guest list for every Barcelona show FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE!  The Barcelona Kickstarter campaign was a rousing success, raising over $42,000, which also allowed them to replace their aging tour van.

With the release of their new album, Not Quite Yours, Barcelona announced some upcoming shows.  I was excited to find their first two would be in Seattle at the Columbia City Theater on May 18 and 19.  The question was, would I attend one or both?  I was so eager to see them play live, I decided I needed to take advantage of every opportunity.  I informed the Barcelona management that I would like to go to both shows, which gave me two free tickets.  I'll be taking two of my friends who aren't familiar with Barcelona's music.  It's my hope that afterward they'll be new fans and buy their music.

Soon after the Barcelona concert schedule was released, another show was added.  That would be the in-store event at Silver Platters.  I was happy to see it coincided with my day off, so there was no question I would be there. I arrived at the store early, and browsed the selection of CDs and DVDs.

I ended up getting a Japanese horror DVD and the Not Quite Yours CD.  Even though I already had the digital download of the album, I like to have the real deal.  I was hoping the meet the Barcelona guys before the actual show, and I wasn't disappointed.  The first one I met was drummer Rhett Stonelake.  Before I could even introduce myself, Rhett address me by name!  Huh?  Turns out he knew me from my correspondences with the band, plus the fact I was on the elite VIP list.  Still, it surprised me, considered I have never met them before.  Rhett introduced me to guitarist Chris Bristol, who was unloading their equipment from the van.  Soon after, bass player Brian Eichelberger and lead singer Brian Fennell arrived, and I touched bases with them.  Brian F. remembered me from last year's Seattle Symphony charity concert (see blog " A package full of wishes").  I had a pleasant chat with Brian F. as the equipment was being set up on the stage.  I told him how I discovered Barcelona's music, and even talked Five For Fighting a bit.  I was then treated to a sound check of my favorite song off the new album, Watching Me.  I don't have a video of it, but you can watch this one...pretty awesome!

 

When the real performance started, there were about 40 people in attendance...a large majority of them young women.  The band played five songs from the album to a very appreciative audience: Hanging In A Void, Watching Me, Slowly, Evermore and the new single, Slipping Away. 

After the show, the band held an informal meet and greet, choosing to just mingle with the fans.  I had brought my Not Quite Yours vinyl album to get autographed, plus I had the CD I bought earlier.  I offered the guys my compliments...they put on a great show!  And, I let it be known that I would be attending their two Seattle concerts.  Of course, my day would not be complete without a photo with my new favorite band!  

Hmm...is it my imagination, or am I kinda short!  Seriously, they are really sweet guys!  And, super talented!  Check out their concert schedule, and if you get a chance, attend one of their shows.  Or, you can buy their music on iTunes and Amazon.  Barcelona rocks!