The second annual Papa Bueno Tequila Seafair Party, “Daylight, Dark Night, and Blue Skies,” kicked off at 11:07 a.m. on Saturday, August 4th. As Papa Bueno drunkenly told the crowd — he likes to take a shot of tequila at 11:07 to keep healthy! While taking shots daily may not be the best health advice, the open bar party was nothing if not good for your soul. A mix between the glamorous Hollywood parties you see in movies and your cousin Joe’s backyard Fourth of July barbecue, the Papa Bueno Tequila sponsored event welcomed a crowd of all ages (21+ that is).

Located at a rented out house on Lake Washington in Mount Baker, toward the water, the crowd looked like a college spring break party — bathing suits, neon floaties, glitter  temporary tattoos. All that was missing was sand, and the cliché sand volleyball court! Up on the grass, though, ages ranged up to great-grandmother generation — the likes of whom were also in bikinis — and the fun, tequila, and wild dancing was had by all (lookin’ at you, grandma)!

While there was no lack of options of things to do at this party — from complimentary hairstyling and make-up to the free food and drinks —the highlight of the day was the three Seattle-area bands that performed for the increasingly-intoxicated crowd.

All Star Opera opened the show at 4:00 p.m. with “Building Blocks” from their 2017 self-titled album, but the band’s on-stage rendition sounded very little like the album recording. This reggae-esque hip-hop group started brightly, highlighting the trumpet line in the song and using the “hoo-ha” war-chant-like vocals from the bridge to open their set.

As the set continued, despite lead vocalist, Sam Osborn’s high energy, the overall vibe took a dip. Osborn’s bright floral pants and wild dance moves looked out of tone with fellow lead vocalist/trumpet player, Carter Gyasi Gilbert-Bass’s basketball jersey, dreadlocks, and shorts, as well as the rest of the group. As they moved into the middle of their set with “Marooned,” they were putting out an ambient-funk vibe. The recorded version of the song emphasizes a heavy backbeat, which gives the song a strong beat to bob your head to. Onstage, this element was lost, and the most prominent sound was the electronic ambient melody line.

While All Star Opera has talent, from listening to their recorded albums, I wouldn’t have known this was the same group. Their vocals and digital mixes create a sound not unlike that of Gym Class Heroes… but smoother. They accomplish a chill, reggae sound with glossy hip-hop/rap vocals over top, and it just works.

Next to hit the stage was BooBooLaLa, at 5:30 p.m. Lead singer, Kevin Dailly, stole the show before the set even started, cracking jokes about the band’s aptitude for playing Nickleback and Creed covers, while fellow lead vocalist, Madisen Dailly, blew bubbles to the crowd.

Their first song met with technical difficulties and the vocals were mostly lost. But, the band rocked it and the crowd was still extremely into what was happening onstage. Both of the Daillys’ infectious attitudes kept the energy high and the crowd invested. Kevin is like a frat boy you knew in college combined with your Aunt Suzie who isn’t really your biological aunt but who still greets you with a big hug every time you see her. Madisen, while quieter than Kevin, is the cute, bouncy woman at the bar who you know can drink all the men under the table.

By the second song the tech issues were resolved, and BooBooLaLa lit up the stage. The entire band just genuinely looked like they were having a great time. It was like their own party for six that the Daillys made sure the crowd was invited to, too.

While the group performed some of their better-known songs from their self-titled EP, such as “Wasted” (a crowd favorite, for sure), they also performed “Hooked,” in which Dailly explains that the hook — “no one belongs in my bed, but you” — is referring to… puppies, as well as a cover of “This is How We Do It,” by Montell Jordan.

BooBooLaLa’s live sound is unmatched by their recordings. Each element is extremely well-executed: like guitarist Jordan Neal’s upbeat solos or bassist Byron Thomas’ active, funky bass lines. A great addition to Saturday’s show was keyboardist Colin O’Brien, who is based in San Diego. O’Brien’s groovy sound was a seamless addition to BooBooLaLa’s party.

Decent at Best closed the show, starting at 7:00 pm. This quartet had a much more electronic sound than the previous two groups, but their versatility was astounding. The group masterfully covered both “Feel Good Inc.,” by Gorillaz and “One Dance” by Drake. Their electronic sound incorporates an 80’s-funk feel without falling solely into the funk genre. Their use of hip hop beat tracks (think dance club or strobe lights) over funky keyboard riffs and true pop vocals (vocalist Andy Rupert’s voice sounds like he’s straight out of a boy band generator, in a good way) give them a more modern sound. Each member’s elements add something different, and it pools together into a wonderful mish-mash of groove.

The sold-out event donated all proceeds (tickets cost $150) to Talk It Up TV. Talk It Up TV is a Seattle-based nonprofit that features an award-winning web series to promote positive messages and works to enact change for causes ranging from human trafficking awareness to gifts of love and support for veterans.

By Brenna Beltramo