Sprawlzilla vs. Mainstreet is written and performed by Blake Jones (of the "Trike Shop"), his daughter Chelsea Jones, and Todd Severson. It starts out feeling like a public comment period at a government meeting with music... happily, that music goes a long way. The original songs revolve around the concepts of sprawl and big box stores (represented by Severson as "Mr. Practical") vs. smarter development and locally owned businesses (represented by the two Jones). There are plenty of clever lyrics and fun banter in simple and catchy songs with just the right amount of grittiness. There is even a topical haiku interlude (complete with berets and bongos) and interactive sing-along moments. The songs get better and better throughout the show ("Mom & Pop" is my personal favorite). It all comes together with enthusiastic delivery, and the whole audience seemed to have a lot of fun with it. Much more fun than a government meeting!

Profits from this show are being donated to Creative Fresno and to Kingsburg's Friends of the Historic Depot.

You can see Sprawlzilla vs. Mainstreet at Starline on Sun 3/2 at 3:45pm and Fri 3/7 at 7:30pm.