Incredible show. His band, the County, had former Funktelligence members Topher, Joe, and Quinten on guitar, bass, and drums, and were fantastic, joned together by a killer horn section. The Blind Pig was packed. Jamall (Buff-1) opened and was joined on stage by other former members of Athletic Mic League. Buff killed it! He’s really evolved into a major talent as an MC. Buff also joined the band for the encore song and had the crowd going nuts with a super fast verse, spitting lyrics like a drum machine.

Hawthorne impressed. Great stage presence, very professional. He focused on love the whole show, is was all about the love. Gave constant shout-outs to Ann Arbor, which the crowd loved. The vibe was amazing, everyone walking around smiling and enjoying themselves. It was a handslap and hug scene afterwords, as a lot of people knew each other and realized the significance of what was happening. As Zack of AML said to me, it’s all Ann Arbor, and it’s all Huron.

I came with my friend Nick, who had some friends meet up with us. One of them said afterwords that it was the best show of new talent he had seen in 10 years.

I picked up one of the heart-shaped records featuring the song, “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out”, Nick also picked one up and had everyone sign it. My only regret is not bringing my field recorder because the band did sort of a reggae version of that song that I really wish I could listen to again. I’ll try to see if those guys can send me something if they do that again on tour.

Good job Mayer Hawthorne and the County. Good job Buff-1. Keep it going.

**update….I found footage of that song! enjoy!