SMV Thunder Tour: Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten @ Cain Park (08.15.08)

Trio performing in

August 15, 2008 was a very special day for me. From the minute I walked into Cain Park I knew this was going to be a special event. The line waiting to get in was a long one. That is where you usually find me; the line for the lawn. We usually try to get there at least an hour ahead of time  or maybe a little earlier than that to sit on the lawn. But this show was different. We had seats.

I purchased tickets almost three months in advance for this particular concert.  That is something I never do, but I was so excited to see these bass legends that I wanted to be up close. (I missed Wooten when he was in town playing Beachland Ballroom recently and regretted it.) Also, I wasn’t sure about the weather and I thought it was my safest bet since it is an outdoor theater.

When my husband and I found our seats there were already about 30 people milling in front of the stage.  My husband who is a musician said they were all checking out the set up and the gear.  Yes, this was a real musician’s concert.  There was even a guy walking around with his bass. 

In my opinion, Cain Park is one of the best venues for outdoor concerts in the city.  The great thing about Cain Park is that you can see from just about anywhere in the amphitheater.  The Pavilion section at the front of Evans Amphitheater seats around 1,000 people and the lawn is located right behind.  They divide the lawn into two sections, blankets up front and lawn chairs in the back so there is no obstruction to your view. The amphitheater actually reminds you of Blossom Music Center, only smaller and more intimate.  

Because Cain Park is smack dab in the middle of a neighborhood, there is no parking lot. Parking is on the neighboring streets.  There is also a bus that leaves Severance Shopping Center in front of Bally’s Total Fitness on concert nights.  This runs an hour before concert time up to an hour after the show. 

There are two entrances to the park for concerts I usually use the Goodnor & Superior entrance.  It slopes down into a valley.  For people who may be physically challenged there is a golf cart type of shuttle that will take people down the hill and back up to the entrance. 

If you have never been to Cain Park (14591 Superior Rd at Lee), take a look at their website and plan on attending this year or next summer.  There are events for everyone. –SS