Spring Break
Concert Review: Guster pings, pongs way through awesome show
Jenna Wright
Issue date: 3/6/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 2 next >
03/06/07 - Even though I froze my ass off while waiting for the doors to open at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel in Providence, I was instantly awestruck once I got inside. It's quite impressive to say the least, and it truly possesses a respected reputation that should make bands want to play there.
Aside from the sights of the venue, an eclectic opening act was performed by Mason Jennings, who the five people in front of me couldn't shut up about. About halfway through the set, three Amazon-like blondes slid in front of us and made viewing somewhat difficult.
Thankfully, they were not massive enough to totally block out the light from the stage. They jumped up and down as if the music was upbeat and a head-banging good time.
However, the songs throughout the majority of Jennings' set were pretty mellow and possibly could've sedated someone.
As anticipation rose and mood music played to hold us over, it was obvious that all age groups were beyond stoked that the main event was finally getting into action. Roadies quickly tuned and tweaked guitars, bongo drums, a standard percussion set, banjos and mics.
Luckily the Amazonian tribe moved toward another group of friends. It was humorous as my friend and I watched this young, fluffy-haired kid try to mack it with each of them; on occasion it kind of worked, since they all seemed slightly intoxicated.
Smoking mist and vibrantly coordinated lights beamed from the stage as Guster took the platform.
The crowd exploded and I got goosebumps as the chimes and bongos of "What You Wish For" resonated from the speakers. I was amped that there was an even balance of old and new material.
Perhaps my favorite track from Guster's latest album, Ganging Up On the Sun, came next. "The Captain" is a banjo, guitar and percussion medley whose short length seems to be appropriately orchestrated.
It was particularly hilarious when lead singer Ryan Miller called a kid out for talking on his cell phone during "Amsterdam."
Aside from the sights of the venue, an eclectic opening act was performed by Mason Jennings, who the five people in front of me couldn't shut up about. About halfway through the set, three Amazon-like blondes slid in front of us and made viewing somewhat difficult.
Thankfully, they were not massive enough to totally block out the light from the stage. They jumped up and down as if the music was upbeat and a head-banging good time.
However, the songs throughout the majority of Jennings' set were pretty mellow and possibly could've sedated someone.
As anticipation rose and mood music played to hold us over, it was obvious that all age groups were beyond stoked that the main event was finally getting into action. Roadies quickly tuned and tweaked guitars, bongo drums, a standard percussion set, banjos and mics.
Luckily the Amazonian tribe moved toward another group of friends. It was humorous as my friend and I watched this young, fluffy-haired kid try to mack it with each of them; on occasion it kind of worked, since they all seemed slightly intoxicated.
Smoking mist and vibrantly coordinated lights beamed from the stage as Guster took the platform.
The crowd exploded and I got goosebumps as the chimes and bongos of "What You Wish For" resonated from the speakers. I was amped that there was an even balance of old and new material.
Perhaps my favorite track from Guster's latest album, Ganging Up On the Sun, came next. "The Captain" is a banjo, guitar and percussion medley whose short length seems to be appropriately orchestrated.
It was particularly hilarious when lead singer Ryan Miller called a kid out for talking on his cell phone during "Amsterdam."
