Thanksgiving Grooves
The week of Thanksgiving is notoriously a light one. People tend to checkout from work. The college kids might have to finish up an assignment. For the most part people are starting to feel the holiday spirit and are looking forward to a long weekend. Because we were able to predict the mood last month, Teresa and I purchased tickets to see Donavon Frankenreiter at the Recher Theater. He really impressed at Bonnaroo, and what other week would we go out on a Tuesday?
After a nice nap and large burrito, we drove through Baltimore to Towson. There really isn't a good way to make the trip, and we ended up on the Beltway. I couldn't believe the traffic. I rejoiced my only travel this week was to my Mom's only a few miles south. I'm so glad we are not flying to Boston. Anyway, we arrived at the Recher a half an hour before the scheduled start of the show.
I predicted a mostly college crowd. The floor was empty when entered, but the majority of attendees were college age. Each of them looked very young. I guess this phenomenon never really stops. I imagine a thirty year old looks young to a sixty year old.
Teresa was impressed with the venue. We took up spots in the center about twenty feet from the stage. For those who have not been, the Recher is not large. I'd venture to say it could hold 800 or so people. The stage is small. The lights are basic. The decor is isn't creative. The sound is decent, but the atmosphere is awesome. I've had many wonderful experiences here. The intimacy helps provide the feeling. I was hoping for a taste this evening.
Unfortunately, the small number of twenty something's stayed just that – small. As the opening act played his sudo rap, the college kids poured into the venue. This is to be expected with a number of universities within twenty minutes. We had to move from the center of room because; the sloppiest chaw chewing loud girls decided to make a scene. So nasty. We were able to snag a spot next to the soundboard on the left side of the room. This was a better location, and we stayed in that general area throughout the concert. There was less nastiness, but still a steady flow of people. I was almost surprised to hear the show was a sellout.
Donavon and his band took the stage just after 9pm. He is an interesting looking character. I haven't seen him without a big bucket hat, and hair flowing out of the side. He was and maybe still is a professional surfer. His first album was on Jack Johnson's label, but he has moved to Lost Highway. I heard it was to shake the surfer rock image. Anyway, a few Maryland surfing associations were in the back of the room. Plus, a number of surfers could be spotted throughout the crowd.
I really enjoy their music. Both studio CDs are amazing. He does an excellent job of combining smart sweet lyrics with funk and folk. The combination makes for an interesting and dynamic show. A few of the acoustic songs will have you kissing your significant other or wishing for love. A number of the lighter songs were written for his son and are comprised beautifully. Don't let the soft stuff fool you, the band is super talented. Funk, with some rock, is always around the corner. You will find yourself dancing nonstop. My favorites on the night were "Move By Yourself" and "Last Album Single."
As the night waned we found ourselves getting tired. Even though this is the week to relax and enjoy, we couldn't escape the fact we needed to get some sleep. The show finished up a bit after 11pm. We had a very enjoyable evening. It still amazes me to see college kids in action. The spectacles were an interesting compliment to Donovan's performance. Don't get me wrong the show was awesome. I am consistently impressed with Donovan's talents. His lyrics and song writing are moving to the mind and body. When he stops in your area make sure to purchase a ticket.
