RNC 2012: Mark McGrath, Juliette Lewis, Camp Freddy Rock 1 Oak ‘Purple’ Pop-Up Benefit

Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander performed with Camp Freddy during the inaugural night of 1 Oak's pop-up installation at the RNC.

TAMPA, Fl. -- While Tropical Storm Isaac might have delayed the opening of New York and Las Vegas nightlife impresario 1 Oak’s massive pop-up tent by a day at the Republican National Convention, when the doors were finally thrown open on Tuesday night, close to two thousand revelers happily streamed through them.



A combination of both the official California Delegates Reception and a special benefit concert by rock ‘supergroup’ Camp Freddy honoring wounded warriors, yesterday’s festivities packed the 30,000-squarefoot facility erected at Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park until 2:00 a.m.


In addition to enjoying the performance stage at the rear of 1 Oak’s main tent, guests were invited to explore two adjoining lounges, with the first a high-tech gaming space packed full of the latest console games courtesy of the Entertainment Software Association and the second a premium scotch and cigar tasting lounge.



While the founding members of Camp Freddy are themselves accomplished musicians (think members of Jane’s Addiction, Guns ‘N Roses, etc.), the band is particularly well known for attracting a bevy of surprise guest performers to their shows.



And Tuesday’s concert was no different, with everyone from Sugar Ray frontman Mark McGrath to actress and singer Juliette Lewis to Cheap Trick lead singer Robin Zander all commanding the microphone at one point or another.


This being a ‘purple party’ co-sponsored by Washington-based public affairs powerhouse Purple Strategies, the star wattage of the night wasn’t limited solely to musicians.


Indeed, a variety political powerbrokers were spotted enjoying the space’s wall of windows overlooking the river with the University of Tampa in the backdrop, including Congressman Ed Royce, Congressman Duncan Hunter, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Congressman Jeff Denham, and Motion Picture Association of America Chairman and CEO Chris Dodd.


Jamestown Entertainment, the producer of the 1 Oak pop-up installation in Tampa, will continue to showcase the space throughout the rest of the convention, with private luncheons and late night parties occurring daily.


‘80s cover band The Spazmatics and special guest DJ Billy Morrison will then close down the tent late Thursday evening after Governor Mitt Romney accepts his nomination as the Republican Party’s presidential candidate.