Today is the first of many reports from the FBR Open. We will be making periodic reports throughout the course of the entire Tournament.
I headed out to the Bird’s Nest tonight to check out what exactly it’s all about. From what I’ve been reading on all the Facebook event invites floating around, I knew already that this was going to be a popular destination and there would be TONS of people there. Tonight featured O.A.R as the main headliner. The only thing that I’ve heard of them was samples of their songs on iTunes. That’s about all. Even from the clips I listened to I got the impression that I was in store for ‘Death Cab for Cutie – Part II’.
You all may know that ‘Death Cab for Cutie’ is a Seattle band who writes somewhat catchy pop songs but their major failure with ‘Death Cab for Cutie’ (as is with 99% of bands in this age of crap music) is that they don’t know how to do a live show at all. I saw them at two stages of their careers. At the beginning of their careers in Seattle and a coupe of years ago in San Diego. Both times were horrid and both times they didn’t know the first thing about putting on a live show.
I try not to go into shows with pre-conceived notions about bands but let’s face it. Putting on a live show for fans is a lost art. Only local band Black Carl understands how to put on a KILLER live show. Little did I know I would be adding another band to my small list of bands I would sell my mother to get tickets to go see.
As I entered the Bird’s Nest, I was quickly enveloped by a killer party atmosphere. Food, drinks, even a hooka/cigar tent were among the many features of the public portion of the Bird’s Nest. As I approached the main stage/party tent O.A.R was in full gear and kicking out the jams. The more they played the more they not only visibly were having fun playing but they worked the crowd musically and vocally like experienced musicians should.
Then they added the one ingredient into a live show that has the potential for O.A.R. to gain new fans….they played cover songs that everyone knew and loved…and they played them well. The one song in particular was a cover of the Beatles ‘With a little help from my friends’, but done in the 60’s Joe Cocker/Woodstock fashion. That is how bands get bigger and gain a stronger following.
If you ever see O.A.R. come to town again, have the chance to watch their live footage on YouTube, or pick up one of their albums, DO IT!! You will not be disappointed. This is a band you need to go see!
I plan on hitting the Bird’s Nest a few more times as I want to see the crowds as the weekend is now here.
My only complaint about the evening (if you want to call it that) was not the festivities or the events that went on that night, it was the clear lack of communication between the security staff to allow the press to do their jobs. I was able to take a few close up photos of the band but was not allowed to finish my job, even after I showed my press credentials. It was clear to me that the Security staff was not experienced in handling concert events, nor were they experienced in assisting the press to do their jobs. To make things better for next year hiring a music press consultant during the planning stages of next years events would help make coverage of future Bird’s Nest events a smoother expereince for all involved.
Other than that. You all need to get off your butts and shake your booty at the Bird’s Nest before it’s gone. As with any fun event, the more the people you bring, the more fun you will have! This event will sell out this weekend so get your tickets NOW!!!
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