American Idol performer among draws for 6,008 fans

By JASON GONZALEZ
Valley Press Associate Sports Editor

These were just a few of the pregame events taking place at Friday's JetHawks Independence Day celebration at The Hangar.

Though the event came the day before the actual Fourth of July holiday, the excitement of the occasion, and most importantly the postgame fireworks, attracted the largest crowd of the season. In fact, the JetHawks recorded their first sellout of the season, stuffing 6,008 fans in the stands and in the grass sections down both the left-field and right-field lines.

"There is a good energy here and the buzz is good," said Jeremy Castillo, director of promotions and entertainment. "A couple of season-ticket holders told me this is the best (Fourth of July game) yet."

The day kicked off with tailgating just outside the JetHawks' stadium in the parking lot with more than one hundred individuals at four different tents at 5 p.m.

This sort of pregame festivity is somewhat new to the minor league team, but not discouraged in any way.

Christian Life Assembly pastor John Meadors and his congregation led the way for the most heavily attended tailgate party. Members and regular attenders of the church gathered for their second annual pregame party before the American holiday. An RV, tent, barbecues, steaks, hot dogs, coolers and fellowship all set the tone for the group hours before the first pitch.

"We love doing this," Meadors said. "We did it last year ... and it's great entertainment for a cheap price.

Inside of the stadium two hours before game time, it was the classic rock band Riff Raff getting things started. The band played for more than an hour while kids enjoyed the bounce house and inflatable slide.

Near the end of Riff Raff's time on stage, former "American Idol" contestant Mishavonna Henson took the mic for a couple of songs as more fans entered the game to her rendition of Train's "Drops of Jupiter," which was the last song she performed on FOX's prime-time show.

Henson got wind of the big event from Riff Raff's bass guitarist, Gary Scott, who is also a part of her self-titled band and helped her secure the appearance in the High Desert.

The appearance was Henson's first at a minor league game during her performing career, but the sports scene isn't unfamiliar. Henson performed at PetCo Park during a San Diego Padres game early this year.

"I like it here," Henson said of The Hangar and the minor league atmosphere. "At the Padres game it was very formal, here it is more laid back. I like that."

The Irvine-based performer was a bit worried about the hot temperatures and dry climate.

During the seventh inning and her performance of "God Bless America," the climate wasn't a factor at all, as all the "American Idol" fans got the performance the were looking for.

Music enthusiasts loved the fact that they got a concert combined with a game of America's pastime. Season-ticket holder Cliff Toman brought his grandkids as early as he could to enjoy some tunes and get ready for the game and fireworks.

The contest between the JetHawks and the Lake Elsinore Storm, which was sold out Thursday, had season-ticket holders and the occasional baseball fan excited for another day at the ballpark. The outcome did not go the JetHawks' way.

But, whether it was a seat behind home plate or in the grass, it was all the same to the fans just to be in this environment the day before the Fourth.

"The people that come love the fireworks," Palmdale resident Sean Rodino said.

"It is nice seeing everybody coming together and being safe," Tiffany Rodino, Sean's wife, said.

Police scanner traffic gave indications of one incident at the park.

But, for the most part, fans enjoyed the opportunity to have two Fourth of July celebrations with Friday night's JetHawks celebration and their own family events today.

The JetHawks also go involved with the celebration when in the top of the fourth inning JetHawks hitting coach Darryl Robinson had a dance-off with a team personnel, getting a big rise out of the fans as a highlight of the night.

jgonzalez@avpress.com