LGBTQ Showcase at DIY in Flemington

When you're surrounded by good music and friends, you're ultimately in for a good time. It's always a bonus when your night out makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside because you're supporting a cause that you believe in.

Sunday April 12th was my first trip to the LGBTQ DIY Showcase at Flemington DIY (90 Main Street, Flemington, New Jersey). I've been to the DIY for a few other events so I knew to expect an atmosphere that inspires creativity and smiles from everyone who attends. The LGBTQ event was no exception.

The all-ages show featured five musical acts that varied in style and mood. There was a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy. A few seconds into each act the audience was able to appreciate the musicianship of each person performing.

Daniel Siuba started the night off with his soothing lullabies. He played his songs on a small keyboard while his voice expressed the depth of his emotions, and even a bit of humor when applicable. A few people came in off the street as soon as he started moving his fingers around on the keys, as if he was the Pied Piper of the event.

Bern & the Brights were up next and started off their set and wowed the crowd with their beats and guitars. Song after song the duo had the audience bopping their heads and tapping their toes each time they burst into a chorus. Their feel-good music made me want to get in my car and drive with the windows down and their EP blaring through the speakers of my car.

The audience was alive when folk crooner Julia Weldon grabbed her guitar and harmonica to serenade us all with her melodies. Her songs seem so familiar and unique, even if it's your first time listening to her play. She has plenty of exciting things happening in the near future, including a brand new music video that promises to be daring.

Liv Lombardi was next up and she was right at home with a guitar in her hand and a microphone catching her breath. As one of the organizers of the entire LGBTQ DIY Showcase, Liv had spent most of the night making sure that everything behind the scenes was running smoothly. By the time she found her way to the mic, she was right at home and able to relax into her beautiful songs. We even received a few free linguistic lessons from her while she introduced her well-traveled songs, which always makes word nerds like myself happy.

Forever Losing Sleep rounded out the evening with an accoustic set. Though the band is used to plugging in their instruments most of the time, they still rocked the crowd.

I hope that there are dozens of shows like this in the future. There can never enough LGBTQ events in our community, and Flemington DIY seems like the perfect space for crowds to make new friends while catching up with old while being introduced to music.

See more photos from the show HERE