The Hope Orchestra

Chaz's viewpoint - I had won tickets to see someone at the 7th house in Pontiac. I can’t remember who the main act was, but it’s not essential to the story, so onward. Donna and I went. It was spring time and the night was fairly warm. We grabbed a bite to eat at the Bo’s Brewery, and then headed to the 7th house. The opening band, The Hope Orchestra, was great. We really enjoyed them. We even had the chance to attend one of thier Cd release parties. They play a sorta bluesy folk music.

As we are sitting there, I notice this rather large, mean looking man dressed in black with biker boots, flat top hair cut, and cut off t-shirt. I am thinking some type of skin head. He is slowly working his way to the stage. His body is bouncing in time with the music, like he is in a mosh pit of one. He stops just off to the side of the stage. I am becoming concerned as he definitely doesn’t belong here and I am not sure what to do, or if I could do anything, if he became violent. I looked around and made sure were the exit where and waited. I also notice that there are several bouncers around, so that makes me feel slightly better, until I realize that they don’t see this guy or don’t care.

I am sitting there contemplating what to do, when the guy rushes the stage. I grab Donna’s arm and start to get out of my seat. I should mention that we are right in front of the stage, so bodies could easily land on us. The guy is now next to the very pretty singer. He reaches down and picks up an item. He turns around with his back to the audience. I settle back down as I realize that the singer is not freaking out, so he must be part of the act. When the guy turns around he has a violin tucked under his chin and begins jamming on it. Man, he could rock on that violin. It was great to watch. Later, he got out a penny whistle and played that just as well.

Guess you can’t judge a book by its cover.