I played a fun gig last Wednesday at the Pennsylvania Capitol building with the
Uptown Band.
The event marked the end of a week-long celebration at the closing ceremonies for the Centennial Gala for the structure. Beautiful building! The dome above the Rotunda weighs
52 million pounds, and is adorned with beautiful artwork on the inside! Wish I had snapped a pic of that!
An invitation was extended to the President, but he didn't show. I didn't see our illustrious Governor Ed Rendell, although he was there to give some speeches earlier. In fact, I didn't see a single, solitary bigwig that I could recognize.
Senate Chambers
Bill Hicks' "Big Band Nostalgia" played in the Rotunda, a group called "Jazz Me" played on the outside balcony, and
Uptown played in the East Wing to a crowd of people eating and dancing in the lobby. (I think Hicks' area had better food, but we didn't have to schlepp our gear up those stairs!)
House Chambers
The big fountain in front of the East Wing is filled with pink water. I'm not sure I heard all the details correctly, but I think it was to bring attention to that poor Hawaiian Punch cartoon guy who is battling breast cancer!
All in all, it was a wonderful event, capped with a fantastic fireworks display. My only problem is figuring out how to spend the "PA-Dollars" with which we were paid!
Cheers!