Rock the Fox a rocking success

WALSENBURG — Bo Seawell, Jason White, Traemon McCabe, Geno and the rest of the crew of Planet O threw an amazing concert to benefit Fox Theatre improvements Sunday night. The newly installed dance floor was officially christened as it filled with dancers throughout the evening. The special concert was the first held since the removal of three rows of seats and the installation of the The new dance floor got a workout Sunday night at the Fox. Photo wooden dance floor.

All who attended would agree by Edie Flanagin the addition of a dance floor makes the Fox a much better venue for bands and concert goers. The show opened with the outstanding guitar music of Mario Aleman and Jake Cortez. The two friends grew up in far South Texas, and their music is a contemporary blending of flamenco, mariachi, blues, and rock and roll. The crowd of about 250 people were awed by the talented pair as their lightning quick fingers blurred over the strings.

They were invited here by Dr. William Beverly to perform for the benefit concert. The talented musicians promised to return to the area again soon. Next in line to perform was local musician, Ken Saydak, who took over the keyboard and horns for a Chicago inspired blues/jazz set.

His style is as smooth and flawless as ever. After Saydak’s solo performance, the concert continued with a wonderful rendition of Besa mi Mucho by Eldaa Royer of La Veta. Her strong, rich voice and the superb guitar accompaniment by Cortez and Aleman wowed the audience. The concert continued without break into the evening with the “All Star” band, comprised of members of Planet O, Cortez, Aleman, and Saydak.

Their jams filled the theater with awesome sounds as many in the crowd filled the dance floor. Finally, Planet O took the stage for over an hour, and rocked the Fox with their signature music. The music, food, drinks, lighting, and good vibes Sunday evening have indeed ushered in a new chapter in the life of the historic Fox Theatre. Mario Aleman, guitarist.

Photo by Edie Flanagin. The profits from the concert will go toward further improvements and include arts programming aimed at getting young people on stage in theatre productions. Mike Peters, who manages the theater for the Spanish Peaks Community Foundation, extends his thanks to Jim Hillaker II and Barbara Johnson for their very generous donation, Dr. William Beverly for advance ticket purchases, the World Journal for advertising and to all the volunteers who helped make Rock the Fox happen.

Ken Saydak on keyboard. Photo by Edie Flanagin.