CFTC-Hutchinson

     It was a hot, humid evening, Saturday, as the CFTC benefit for The Reno County Museum began.  A stiff breeze swept some of the humidity away and kept the bugs and mosquito's controlled.

     Braylin Martin kicked the evening off with his rendition of The Star Spangled Banner and an additional tune on his ukulele. Braylin won the talent competition on July Fourth and after hearing him sing The National Anthem and play his ukulele, it's easy to see why he swept the competition.

     ZSP (Zero Self Project) kicked off the evening with original music with a Christian theme to it.  This group sounded so professional and polished.  It's hard to believe that they aren't signed to a record label.  Every song was spot on from the vocals, to the instruments, to the sound quality.  The harmonies, the melodies, and the tunes just blended so well together.  If there was a wrong note in there, no one in the audience would have heard it.  They're just that good.

     The Calm from Wichita was up next and the last time that they played on Fourth of July they created a huge buzz.  Well, their local crowd following from last week showed up in force to see them again.  Their songs just feel really good clear down to your toes and you can't help but keep time with the beat.  Their songs give you happy feet as it's just toe tapping good.  Some folks drove by on their motorcycles, heard their music and joined the ever expanding crowd in the park.

     VOS (Victims of Spotlight) rounded out the evening.  This group has a loyal following that will show up anytime, anywhere just to see VOS play.  As quickly as they arrive they fade away when the group is done.  I've seen this phenomenon and it's almost as amazing to watch as hearing the band play.  This night was no different.  And a VOS show wouldn't be complete without one of the band's signature cover tunes Twilight Zone.  Unfortunately they usually sing this as the next to last song in their set so it's wonderful to hear the song and watch the band on stage and off as they sing it, but in the back of your mind the audience is thinking, this is about over. 

     Next week CFTC has a special concert in the park planned.  The evening will start with a church bell choir with a twist, as the bell choir is deaf and cannot hear their music as they play.  I've heard that their music is incredible so be sure and head to Avenue A Park early next Saturday to check out this unique group.  Mitchel Probst, Burgess and Burgundy Martin, and The Ziggowatts will also perform.  Be sure and purchase some food and drinks as all the money raised will go to support the bell choir.