Holding On For Every Word You Say
Richie Lara is a local musician who is very active around the community at IKE. They are the senior class vice-president, and the president of the Choir program, and they put splendid work into the drama program - being featured in The Spongebob Musical as the titular character, and Will Parker in Oklahoma! Curiously, however, Richie has never done a solo show, until now.
Richie’s debut show in the Seasons Bistro was magic in all sense. In many songs, their hands glided across their guitar like a wind was passing through, and their voice ranged from a warm alto to a deep rich tenor. I couldn’t help but be reminded of Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, or Bill Withers when I heard that deep, soulful voice. Their emotions carried a heavy, thought-provoking weight. At other times Richie’s voice almost shifted country, showing the broad vocal range and talent of a high-caliber vocalist.
Entering the venue itself was mystical. Richie was surrounded by friends and family, including their sister, Danielle, who had just come back from a long way away in Spokane to see them play. In addition, Connor Arvizu, IKE graduate and prior Drama Club President came all the way from Seattle, only getting back about twenty minutes before the show. Others were there, such as teachers like Kaschmitter (Choir), Skiles (Art/Leadership), and Rooney (Orchestra). Even Ms. Bourgeois showed up.
“I was worried I'd pee my pants on stage - but I didn’t.” Richie humorously laughed when talking about the anxieties of performance. “Getting over a mistake is more important than dwelling on it…everybody is having a bad time if you’re having a bad time.” They really championed this idea of surface-level comfortability and excitement even when you’re scared. As far as the performance goes, one thing stuck out to me, something Richie had recalled their mother saying, “[I was] holding on for every word you say.”
Going to this concert reminded me of how important live music truly is. I heavily recommend going to these shows; I suggest truly watching local musicians play: Richie Lara, Bella Dagdagan, Amanda Simmons, etc. Support our local musicians. Go to The Seasons, go to The Chainsaw Cat, even the Bearded Monkey. I challenge you to listen to live music - to live in the sound. Who knows? Maybe you’re one concert away from being inspired to perform music yourself.
