The 2010 WTTS Emerging Artist Concert Series kicked off with an awesome performance by Greg Laswell and the rock band Harper Blynn, who back up Greg when he is touring.

WTTS hosted the show in the intimate setting of the Creation Cafe. A couple hundred lucky 92-3 VIP’s sampled a variety of free appetizers and enjoyed beer samples from sponsor Upland Brewing.

Creation Cafe owner Lynn closed her restaurant to the public to host the private event, and replaced many of the dining tables with about seven rows of chairs facing the space reserved for the the band’s performance.

There were a couple of technical hitches with the power to an amp, and the stage lights went out mid performance, but Greg laughed and joked his way through it all, treating the audience to about seven songs, including his latest hit “Take Everything”.

Greg performed in Studio 92 about a month ago, playing a small acoustic set of three songs. With more time and the slightly larger setting of the Creation Cafe he told a story about performing for some women at a wedding shower. He played a song for them he’d written about his own divorce, without making the connection until later. Funny stuff!

The show started just after seven and lasted about an hour, but the band stayed and signed CD’s, talked and posed for photos with the crowd.

What a great way to spend a couple hours after work. Free appetizers — a full bar — and a meet and greet with up and coming musicians. Better yet, there’s another coming up in two weeks.

– Larry Philpot