104 of 131 DOCUMENTS
The Kansas City Star
October 6, 2005 Thursday 1 EDITION
Listenin' at the Royal: Rain, Ribs and Music
BYLINE: By McCLAIN JOHNSON; TeenStar
SECTION: ;Pg.
LENGTH: 276 words
A sizeable crowd showed up after the American Royal BBQ for night two of the first annual "Barbecuelooza" concert series.
The show started off with an amazing vocalist from the United Kingdom, Natasha Bedingfield. The set up for the performance was simple, just Bedingfield and a guitarist playing acoustic. Performing so stripped down gave Natasha's vocals a chance to shine (such as on the soulful slow burner "I Bruise Easily" and the poppy "These Words"). The only problem with her set was that it was too short (15 minutes).
Next on stage was FeFe Dobson, a performer with boundless energy. Her set sounded like an amped up version of Michelle Branch. Dobson's band featured three guitarists and a drummer. All of these elements allowed her music to hit you with a lot of force. At times the guitar riffs even bordered on metal. One of Dobson's best songs, "Take Me Away" started off with Offspring-style riffs before turning into a power rocker with a slight ska tinge.
The Click Five followed Dobson. Their set drew on a lot of different sounds. The Click Five, winners of Best Local Band at the recent Boston Music Awards, are a great pop-rock band. Bizarrely, the vocalist's voice reminded me of Davy Havoc (from AFI). The vocals gave their music a gritty edge. The music was pop-based, but The Click Five can really play.
During their last song, a torrential downpour broke out. The concert was cancelled before Better Than Ezra took the stage. Regardless of the fact the show was called before the last act, everyone went home soaked and happy.
To reach McClain Johnson, a senior at Pembroke Hill, send e-mail to teenstar@kcstar.com
LOAD-DATE: October 6, 2005
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
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