Just wanted to toss this out there...

I was so excited to see the gang *IN* Orlando instead of driving all the way down to Stuart to see them. I had never been to BackBooth before, but it was a pretty nice place inside. Juicy had to sit in a chicken wire cage, but it gave it a "Good Ole' Blue Brothers Boys Band" feel to the show. I was impressed with the decor and feel of the venue...

I was NOT impressed with the neighbors. A techno club which was actually louder than Karin several times during the night.

I was NOT impressed with the club selling out 350 tickets, but then letting in "friends of the bar" on top of the ticket count (I personally saw at least 30 people walk in without tickets with a wink/smile from the door) and then letting large masses of people block the door. This was the first time I've ever been to a show in my entire life (I've been to hundreds of shows) where I made aggressive mental plans in case of a "Great White". I'm not your overly cautious type... but it was a little scary. I told the wife and our friend my route.

I was NOT impressed with the gang of "regulars" who had their own little loud party going on in the back the entire night. There were "ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING" signs up all around the bar and apparently this didn't apply to the bar staff and their pals... who were all smoking by the back bar.

Despite all that... it was a great show. The song selection was mostly Trumpet Child with a few DP thrown in. Nothing really older than Ohio... unless I'm spacing and forgetting. I didn't keep a setlist, but the show was very strong. This was especially impressive with the crap going on around them. Our friend had never heard a single OtR song in her life... but walked out with a Discount Fireworks (I suggested going the whole greatest hits route) cd and a huge smile on her face. It was funny and almost comedic... she was like "thanks guys, really... thanks! They were really awesome and I absolutely loved them." I wasn't shocked, being a huge fan, but it was still funny how every first-timer I've taken to a show says basically the same thing. I even got to tell her stories about watching the band back in the Sudsy's days. She really got a kick out of that.

Linford was all decked out with a jacket and tie. Karin looked like she should've been at some party on a summer night dancing under the stars. Sadly... I couldn't see Mickey going crazy on his solo of insanity or Jake really moving the upright bass (I could see the top of it when he was getting aggressive... but that was all). Great show... as far as the talent went. Crappy show as far as the venue went.

All I can say is... I'd take this over NO SHOWS at all. Thanks gang... I really appreciated you coming to my town. Thanks.


*thanks bivester!*

jake...jake bradley.

thanks for the review. it sucks when you get a bad crowd at an otherwise nice show.

I also wanted to add some opening act information.

"Lona" opened the show. They weren't that bad. I would put them smack in the middle of the road. They weren't good, but they certainly didn't suck. Their myspace page shows three people in the band, but I only saw two... but as you could see from my review of the actual show... we were way over to the side. It is quite possible there was a third person on the stage that I couldn't see. I'm going to guess it was only the two of them. They seemed nervous. (http://www.myspace.com/lonaband if you wish to check them out)

"Copeland" was next. If my grass were this emo... I could throw away my lawnmower, because it would just cut itself. Whiny, weak, lame... you name it... I will call this band every name in the book. It was a horrid performance. They are a local band (Lakeland, FL) and they definitely filled the place up with emo kids. They were nice enough to throw a lame psuedo-compliment to OtR (something like "Yeah, if you don't know Over the Rhine, you'll like them because we heard their soundcheck and we liked it. It was pretty good for a soundcheck.") but they really didn't have much respect for the show.

1. They couldn't remember their own lyrics on at least 5 songs. Twice he stopped and asked the audience what the lines were.
2. They admitted they didn't bother to practice because they didn't think anyone would show up.
3. The lead singer had the vocal range of a dying frog.
4. They kept "tuning" their guitars. Apparently, all of their songs are in the tune of "off".
5. They sound absolutely nothing like their records (http://www.thecopelandsite.com/ if you must)

Thankfully about 100 kids left when they were done and instead of being sardines, we were just moderately cramped. I was pleasantly surprised to meet a group of about 20 folks (some of which are lurkers here... Hey Jessica and Sara!) who had come down from Gainesville. It wasn't like a show back home... or the great time I had seeing a bunch of you guys in Columbus in Dec 2006... but it was nice to see a lot of people mouthing along. There was even one dude (that I didn't get to meet) who looked like he might have a heart attack... he was just THAT excited. It was funny/scary to watch, but there was something endearing about it too. He was very passionate about the music. When Karin reads this (hopefully) I'm sure she'll know exactly who I'm referring to... he was directly in her line of sight the entire set.

Karin suggested we waltz at one point... waltz? I couldn't remove my elbows from my sides most of the night! It looked like there might have been a pocket or two around, but not where we were.

Yeah, live Copeland is pretty disappointing, but their albums are actually pretty good, particularly their first two, Beneath Medicine Tree and In Motion. They fit my need for "whiny cry-baby teenage boy music."

Jeff