Kaleidoscope Sound Garden: Live from Folklore Coffee & Co...

There is the most adorable little cafe in the center of the town where I go to school. My hipster heart squees with joy each time I go there (which was four times last week, but hey, who's counting?) At any rate, it is called Folklore, and while having menu items named for storybook characters and being a unique establishment, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.

This past weekend, Folklore had live music performances from several talented and entertaining gentlemen: Talain Rayne, Mark Rose, Jon Walker (formerly of Panic! At the Disco) and Lucas Carpenter.

Rayne, whose sound is similar to that of The Fray, writes melodious, heartrending songs. His piano playing abilities are only surpassed by his wonderful voice. Have a listen:

I think my dreams would come true if he played piano by my bed as I fell asleep. *sigh.*

I was pulled out of my music-and-pumpkin-spice-latte stupor when Rayne introduced his song, "16". As Rayne told it, he used to work as a kid's summer camp counselor. He and another counselor had taken the kids out to a lake on the camp grounds. While swimming and playing with the kids, his co-worked went to reach into the water to pull on the arm of one of the kids she had been playing with. In actuality, she pulled up the body of a sixteen-year-old girl who had recently been murdered. The teen's body had rocks tied to her arms and legs.
Rayne wrote the song in the girl's memory, raising such questions as "who would she be if she had lived?" This song literally struck such a chord with me, and I knew I had to share it with you. Take nothing for granted; this life is so short, and can be taken in an instant.

Next up, we heard from Mark Rose. Another mellow music writer who should play songs by my bed. I especially like his inspirational track, "How Strong We Are." Scratch that, Mark. You should play beside me as I take a quiz in my Shakespeare class this Wednesday.

The much awaited Jon Walker performed then. His songs were distinctly his own, particularly the song he wrote about his beard.

Last, but certainly not least, in the night's line-up was the most comical, Lucas Carpenter. Carpenter had fantastic stage presence, and the audience gathered in the warm, dimly lit coffee shop did not experience a dearth of laughter while he played his set.

Great music, great food, and great friends combined to make one of the best evenings I've had thus far in my college career. Folklore Coffee & Co, you know the way to my music (and tea/occasionally coffee loving) heart!