Musical Block Party Brings Whole Foods Shoppers Outside

Regular visitors to the Whole Foods may have been a tad surprised at what they found Monday evening. To the left of the front entrance, past a throng of shoppers stopped in line were some of Needham's most talented musicians playing for new and old fans alike.

The teens of Needham's Plugged In took to the Newton market as part of a special block party to raise funds for and awareness of the music program. Dozens of spectators took to the parking lot as Whole Foods employees grilled items and the sounds of Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" and Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" wafted through the air.

"I think it's really a lot of fun for people who come here and it's a good turnout," said Sandra Rizkallah, executive director of Plugged In.

Monday marked the seventh time that Plugged In has performed at Whole Foods, the group always eager to introduce themselves to new audiences. In addition to taking in performances, spectators Monday had the chance to find out about Plugged In's many programs, including the summer sessions. Proceeds from the event also benefit local charities.

Jared Horan was one of the performers on hand Monday who related having played Whole Foods "a bunch of times." Asked if it was nice to play in front of a new crowd, he replied, "Oh yeah!" before belting out Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer" with Jake Green on djembe (a skin-covered drum that originated in Africa).

Wendy Tacey is a friend of the Horan family and is amazed any time she sees Jared and other Plugged In teens perform.

"They're a really great, sophisticated group of kids," she said. "I marvel at their talent."