Saved by the Park

Rain prompted a venue change but couldn’t put a damper on the ’90s spirit at Friday’s Main Street Live. An afternoon decision by Main Street McMinnville organizers to move the free summer concert series from its traditional home at Security Federal’s west lawn just up West Main Street to the historic Park Theater proved to be a good one as a downpour began just before 6 p.m. and continued through showtime.

A enthusiastic crowd braved the pouring rain to enter the Park to hear Saved by the Music: The Ultimate ’90s Experience. Thunder provided the soundtrack for crowds walking through the precipitation to enter the theater where the thundering sounds of the last decade of the 20th century filled the venue.

“We brought in Saved by the Music with the thought of attracting a crowd that may not typically come to Main Street Live,” Main Street McMinnville Executive Director Jennifer Flatt Meredith said. “We knew a lot of us in our 30s, 40s and 50s would really enjoy ’90s music, and I think everybody who came out had a lot of fun with it.”

While the show was held in the air-conditioned comfort of the theater, the rain did appear to have an effect on the number of attendees. But those who ventured out enjoyed a show packed with a wide range of ’90s hits ranging from “Hey Jealousy,” “My Hero,” “Meet Virginia,” “Creep” and “Kryptonite” to “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Neon Moon.”

“I’m sad that the crowd size was affected by the weather, because this band was so good,” Meredith said. “I think if we were outside on the lawn we would have had over 1,000 people. I think they will definitely be in consideration for next year’s lineup. They were a really great band and a lot of great guys who were easy to work with.”