Starry Night 2009

I have been posting pictures and video from Starry Night in the Garden on my station websites for over a week now, but I figured those that don't check mystar1025.com regularly might like to hear how the whole event went.

All I can say is, Holy Smokes, what a GREAT show! It's going to be hard to top next year, that is for sure.

The weather on the 24th was absolutely perfect - not a cloud in the sky. All the artists arrived safely and on time, their hotel rooms were satisfactory, and best of all, the show was a sellout days before.

I love when that happens.

But most of all, the performances were top knotch. I heard every act, from Safetysuit's first notes, to Matt Nathanson's encore of Journey's Don't Stop Believing, and Mat Kearney in-between.

I say this every year, but one of the great things about my job is being exposed to new music, and then putting together fantastic live versions of my iPod playlists for an audience. It's very cool for me to be able to share a vision for a great live show, and have people like it.

If you missed any part of it, there is a great photo recap and video content here:
http://mystar1025.com/Starry-Night-In-The-Garden-2009/4674381

Before and during the show, we managed to talk to all the artists. Safetysuit discussed with me making a hollywood style video, the VH1 Top 20 countdown, and who actually writes their songs.

I also talked with Mat Kearney about how he got his start, the Nashville scene, and breaking and entering to play piano here.

And John Anthony snagged an interview with our headliner, Matt Nathanson, just before he hit the stage.

All in all, it was a great night, and one of the best Starry Nights ever.

The primary reason we do this show every year is to raise awareness and help in the restoration of the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, an architectural treasure, and one of only a handful of Victorian tri-dome botanical gardens in the world. If you have never seen the gardens, make a point to visit this Summer. And definitely come to next year's 10th Anniversary Starry Night in the Garden show!

--Brian