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Page 5 More Pics & Reviews
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16 HAVE YOU SEEN THE MAP OF EZRA? MISSED THE DEBUT EDITION OF THE SERENADE? CLICK HERE MISSED THE MAY EDITION? |
EZRALITES FLOCK TO MISSISSIPPI: BTE HITS TUPELO AND
JACKSON. Early Friday morning, June 6th 2003, as the Ezra guys began their northward to Tupelo, Southern Ezralites also hit the road wondering what was in store at Tupelo’s Elvis Presley Festival. For fans, there was the giddy excitement of hearing a new song, or a different cover. For the band, anticipation most likely mixed with apprehension not knowing how fans would react to the new tunes they had been working on so hard.
Tupelo is a small, but active city. A down home country town with a population of slightly more than 30,000. This was a day the native Tupelo Ezralites thought they would never see. At BTE shows, you get to see a statue of the King atop Tom’s equipment, but this time fans were going to be treated to some awesome covers of Elvis songs mixed in with good ole’ Ezra songs and the band’s customary comic banter. Cover songs including "Jail House Rock," "Suspicious Minds,"and "Don’t Be Cruel." It was obvious that Better Than Ezra had a lot of respect for Elvis. Tom made a moving tribute saying "the King rides with Ezra!" while Travis held up the small road worn statue. While looking to the heavens, Kevin added, "Thank you where ever you are for bringing us your music." Notwithstanding his now infamous "shark bite" wound, James Arthur Payne rose to the occasion and sang a bit of "Marie’s the Name" for his own special contribution to the King.
Despite the wet weather, everyone seemed in an especially good mood that night. Perhaps it was Kevin’s banter about how "the King is getting misty eyed" along with the music that kept the crowds spirit high. The cool rain also provided a welcome respite from the hot muggy weather at this time of the year. Because of the unique nature of this event, there were many highlights and rare moments that BTE fans will probably never see again. And the Tupelo Ezralites couldn’t have been more thrilled about how the evening turned out. We’d like to extend our thanks to Better Than Ezra for coming to our small town and pitting on a show even better than we could have wished for. Same time next year guys?
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On to the Metropolis of Jackson, MS (and
Surrounding Metropolitan Areas)...
Finally in joyous uproar the crowd cheered on the rooster crow, and James Arthur, Kevin, Tom and Travis took the stage. Kevin got the show off on the right foot with a good laugh, as he prepared to play the opening song, the crowd heard a few guitar riffs and then dead silence "Pretend you here the guitar there" says Kevin with a stunned look on his face. To which the crowd replied "PLUG IT IN!" Grinning sheepishly Kevin responded "Ok, so what if I had a shot before the show!!"
The band went on to play a great show with some random tidbits of information including the surprise announcement of a BTE DVD in the near future as well as the rendition of part of an, as yet, un-named song. Something for the new album perhaps? Only time will tell. Another highlight of the show was a shoutout for all the people who stood in the rain at the Tupelo show the night before. KG also mentioned the crazy drunk Y101 DJs who either cracked up or annoyed members of the crowd. The show ended with the crowd begging for more. Never ones to disappoint, the band came back out for the encore. In a strange twist, Travis appeared at the front of the stage and picked up the bass while Tom seated himself behind the drums. KG was so caught up talking to the crowd that when he turned around and saw this new "game position" and asked with a baffled look on his face, "What are you guys doing?" Being the showman that he is, Kevin went along with it and encouraged Travis to strike his best rock star pose. This caused a barrage of camera flashes from the crowd. After all the fun, KG told Tom and Travis to get back into position and the band proceeded to close out the show with some final ear candy moments. Emily, I think you just became the SERENADE's Mississippi Beat reporter... Thanks for the great reviews and pics!! |
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