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6 More Pics & Reviews
Page 16 HAVE YOU SEEN THE MAP OF EZRA? HAVE YOU SEEN THE TTOY HALL OF FAME? MISSED EARLIER EDITIONS OF THE SERENADE? |
BTE GETS EN VOGUE IN INDIANAPOLIS Nearly two years since last performing at The Vogue, one of Indianapolis' premiere concert venues, Better Than Ezra decided to give so many of us what we had been asking for – yet another fine BTE experience. With so many Ezralites traveling from out of town, how could this not be a great time? After hotel arrangements and dinner had been worked out, the crowd started lining up for the show about an hour before show time. It always surprises me the kind of people that come out for a Better Than Ezra show, there is no specific type or look to a fan, just whomever enjoys great music. After being teased a few times with semi-opened doors, they were finally "officially" opened. Once tickets began being taken, excitement started to fill the air. The Vogue is a small theater and bar all in one, primarily used as a dance club and concert venue. It is a very intimate concert venue that features hardwood floors, interesting wall and ceiling moldings, a balcony for those who don’t enjoy crowds or want a better view, and an ever-so-convenient (and centrally located) bar. The opening band for the evening, was Troubled Hubble from Chicago. No one really knew what to expect when they took the stage. Were they just a typical emo band with the same last name? We were pleasantly surprised when they turned out to have a sound similar to Weezer and some sort of punk band all in one. They were very much into the crowd. Lead singer Chris Hubble wowed the audience with his fabulous map of Indianapolis shirt and hilarious lyrics. Bassist Adam Hubble was a dancing machine. He flailed around and played his little heart out. Mr. Drummond could learn a dance move or two from him. Nate Hubble, aka "Bud Bundy," and Josh Hubble were equally as enjoyable. "Soul Train" Ezralites Take to the Dance Floor During their final song, Chris parted the crowd with surprising ease while he danced down the middle of the floor. Feeling the Soul Train line vibe, two of our very own Ezralites decided to jump in the aisle as well – RandallJ did a fabulous moonwalk and MNEzralite Jon did the worm on the filthy, filthy floor. Great work guys, we all enjoyed the moves! Troubled Hubble is very much worth going to see, I don't recall any opening band being this funny. Their roughly 30 minute set was one of the big highlights of the evening. |
My anticipation for Better Than Ezra is never higher than when the
opening band's equipment is being torn down and packed away. After what
seemed like forever, the familiar rooster crowing began the show and all
was right with the world, or at least in Indianapolis that night.
"Recognize" started a packed set of favorites and surprises.
"Misunderstood," "Good," "Rolling" and "Live Again" followed. I hadn't heard "Special" yet, but what a great song! I love that BTE plays their new stuff regularly enough that everyone gets to experience it. Favorites such as "Extra Ordinary," "King of New Orleans" with the wonderful Debra cover mixed in were next. "Rosealia" was a nice surprise with Mr. James Arthur Payne supplying a dynamic ending. "At The Stars" preceded another new song – "Daylight." I‘d only heard an early version of this song, the song featured the vocal stylings of Tom as well as Kevin and Jim. Personal favorites, "Sincerely, Me" and "Desperately Wanting" rounded out the set. For the encore, the boys decided to spice things up a little nut adding "In A Little While" which is a tremendous song and, I do believe, my favorite newer piece. "A Lifetime" was a great set up for "request time." Several different songs were suggested by the crowd. There even some Manwich requests! Kevin explained to the crowd how Manwich is Better Than Ezra's pseudonym when they try out new songs live. The guys really surprised the crowd by laying "Voodoo Porcelain" on us. I had never heard that live, what an amazing song!
As soon as "In the Blood" started, I knew that after the little Blue Oyster Cult cover in the middle, the show would be soon be over. What a great show. Old favorites and what I’m sure will be new ones as well. There were several opportunities to laugh and enjoy Ezra together. Kevin delighted the crowd by teasing "Uncle Mike" about his similarity to Neil Young. Comments about the "Ripple that is Broad" were followed by a surprise announcement about a show the very next Saturday across town. This evening, ladies and gentlemen, was all about rock n' roll. Many thanks to everyone who came to the show, the great Ezralites I met and, of course Better, Than Ezra for finally playing The Vogue again. It was truly a good time. Midori, thanks for a wonderful review. Now about that ripple thing...
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