Normally we don't post recaps in our news feed (See that blog tap up there ☝? That's where we typically post recaps.), but the Harry and the Potters concert/party at Club Congress was so spectacular we can't help ourselves. Plus we have news. The wizard rockers apparated to Ye Olde Bookmans Shoppe to sign a guitar for us to bestow on one of the attendees. Also, we know you want to see the photos of our Azkaban prisoners.

 

With a little bit of magic, we grabbed this image of one of our helpers whom we caught taking candy from Ye Olde Bookmans Shoppe.

 

Fans came out in full force to hear the one-of-a-kind lyricists who use the Harry Potter books as inspiration for their ballads. These guys rocked their songs Save Ginny Weasley from Dean Thomas, This Book is so Awesome and Voldemort Can't Stop the Rock. Like last year, HatP rocked so hard they held two performances just so all the fans could mosh (it was all-ages mosh, but, yeah, it was that sort of concert). "You Know Who" would have hated it.

You know what else "You Know Who" would have hated? Guitars signed by Joe and Paul DeGeorge and given away to fans of Harry Potter. We bought brand new guitars for HatP to sign for one lucky Bookmans fan. That lucky fan is...

 

 

... Brittany Griwzow! We also donated a guitar to Pima County Libraries and will sell a third at our Bookmans Grant location.

This wasn't your average concert party. When we heard HatP were touring again this year we conjured wands, candy and the magical spirit to turn Hotel Congress in to Hogwarts for a magical night that wizards and muggles could both enjoy. Jean Hoffman and 9 Queens hosted wizard chess, which started out using classic pieces but quickly became a live action game with enthused participants. Katana Games led lessons in video game Quidditch and Seven Cups divined fortunes with tea leaf readings. Balloons were provided by the fleet fingered Daniel Ravia and Gaslight Theater once again loaned their detailed costumes. In addition to the free merriment fans quenched their thirst with Hotel Congress' secret recipe Butter Beer. We even had Hagrid's scooter brought in for a flying-high photo opportunity.

 

The fabulous Bookmans team representing Bookmans Ina, Bookmans Speedway and Bookmans Grant as a few of your favorite professors.

 

The event wouldn't have been possible without the hoards of volunteers and countless fans who came out on a week night. We loved seeing other local businesses put on a good show too. Thanks to our partners in crime Pima County Public Library and Hotel Congress who continue to make the party possible.

Take a look at all the fun we had for yourself. We posted photos on our Flickr feed. HatP play again at 6:30 p.m. on July 20 at South Mountain Community Public Library.