EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Rob Stroul.
MANSFIELD — As the temperatures cooled, the crowd warmed up on August’s Final Friday at The Brickyard.
Three acts took the stage with the last two being local legends, Frank Boyd Jr. and the Bona-fide Truth, and Conne (Connie)!
The evening opened with “I.Ron” and friends from Cincinnati, performing a variety of Rap and HipHop songs. As I.Ron said, we’re “taking you on a Roller coaster ride” of tunes and tempos. Check!
I circled this date on my calendar for this reason … Frank Boyd Jr. and the Bona-fide Truth.
I’m a HUGE fan! No apologies. I’m a “guitar guy who loves the Blues.” By representation, I was definitely not alone.
Now hold on, I need to make something known here and now. There’s something truly special about our area.
I’m still somewhat new here, and as a person who loves music, especially live music, this place is an oasis. Trust me. It’s my hope that my photos show a little bit of the talent we have right her.
Musical roots were laid down a few generations back, seeds were planted. (Frank being one of the seeds.) The young were exposed to music, then educated.
The following generation turned into a tree that brought strong branches, and now our area has an abundance of “fruit.” This DOES NOT happen everywhere. For all of you people, I Thank You.
Frank and the boys turned out a full set of guitar driven Blues last night. Captivating. A Master class.The Brickyard was treated (warmed?) by the show.
Not to be outdone, Conne hit the stage loud and proud. What a talent. She and her band covered popular and blues standards with aplomb. T
he crowd was up off their seats and dancing, moving and grooving. No “chill” here. The audio mix was excellent, making it easy to pick out the backing vocals, warm “keys,” thumping bass, crisp drums and soaring alto sax.
I should have worn my dancing shoes.
Visiting the Brickyard for Final Friday is more than taking in music. It’s our community, a big slice of Mansfield fruit pie.
Special “Shout Out” to: Destination Mansfield, (community treasure) master of ceremonies Tommy Barnes, The Boys from Red Ball Jets, Dave and Jeremie for the lighting and sound, the onstage talent, the friends I saw, the friends I met, the food trucks and vendors, and all the folks behind the scenes.
Don’t miss the final, Final Friday in September.
