Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Party After the Whiskey Row Race

The after the race party for the Whiskey Row race last weekend makes the race one of my favorite events. John and I stayed at the St. Michael's Hotel, right on Whiskey Row (a famous street with lots of bars), which gave us a chance to shower,nap and then head to the street for the entertainment. Starting at 10am till 10pm there were bands, food, margarita's and beer to enjoy.


The Whiskey Row race is a fundraiser for the YMCA and everything happening that day centers around the YMCA. The bands donated their time, Budweiser donated the beer and a local Prescotarian donated a 1963 Nova Supersport to be auctioned and raise funds for the YMCA. John bought three tickets for $50 but we drove home in the same car we drove up with. The lucky winner wasn't at the drawing so I have no idea if he jumped for joy at winning.

While we were running the race there was a young kid walking along playing his ukulele and we gave him thumbs up.  I guess later he showed up at the finish line (someone said he ran the 10K) and the race director decided to have him play in the morning and afternoon in between sets.  This was the highlight of the day for me.

Marquez is 14 years old and is a true crowd pleaser.  He opened with one of my favorite songs by Isreal Kamakawiwoʻole "Over the Rainbow" and then strummed into other popular songs by Train and Adele. The range of high notes he hit was very impressive.  The crowd cheered him on after each song and he had a great big smile.  Afterwards I saw one of the organizers give him a card wanting to work with him in the future. He was a true gem.


Here's a video of him playing (not from Saturday's event) 

1 comment:

Johann said...

Wow, that is so cool! Great opportunity for a great kid. Sounds like you had tons of fun.