Summer kicked off with Jim Beam Rocks, an initiative by the world’s number one bourbon brand, with 9 of the best local bands along with international act The Rasmus. It was their first venture into Rock music event organizing in Lebanon, and I’m really hoping it won’t be their last.
Jim Beam pulled off a great advertising effort in their first even in Lebanon as the event’s big venue managed to host a surprising 4500 attendees with a vast area still being empty. The standing area was on smooth grass allowing the crowd to lie down to rest during breaks, while the seated area had comfortable sofas, and 2 bars were set on each side of the venue to quench the rockers’ thirst.
Spot lights and smoke machines also helped intensify each band’s act. The sound was spot on, with two huge arrays on each side of the stage, and a few big Marshall amps on stage to cover the widest area possible, since the event was held outdoors.
The 9 local acts showed excellent musicianship and performance, and some of them even managed to rock the crowd more than The Rasmus did!
One of the memorable moments of the night would be The Rasmus playing the tunes of Feirouz’ “Nassam Aalayna El Hawa”, and the crowd singing the words.
