A Sound Weekend

This past Friday night I went to the Patriot Centre on George Mason University campus, in Fairfax County, VA, to see a very interesting mix of rock. Headlining the “Exile in America – Winter 2008 Tour” was Matchbox Twenty, fronted by Rob Thomas.

Mute Math, hailing from New Orleans opened with a short but visually effective 4 song set. You definitely have to read their “Wiki” bio to see how original creative, and busy they have been. Slip in a 2007 Grammy nomination for industry validity and you see Mute Math is definitely on a roll. When they finished their last number, the stunned crowd was on their feet. During the break, everyone was buzzing about who or what they had just witnessed!

Alanis Morissette took the stage amidst an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. I must say that I was taken by her most incredible “Jagged Little Pill” chocked full of mega hits. I don’t know if it was her angst or what that dampened my enthusiasm for her but I did put her on the back burner for quite some time. When I saw that she was joining this tour, I immediately did some cramming to see what the girl has been up to. Armed with that self refresher, I was looking forward to seeing her as this would be my first time live with Alanis! After a great musical intro, she sailed on stage and immediately went into “Uninvited” from the “City Of Angels” soundtrack. It immediately got my attention and she held it to the end of her twelve song set! To absorb her words, her rhythms, and her expressions live, I just found myself appreciative of her artistry. Her band was very tight, musically solid, and entertaining. I look forward to her new collection as she gave a taste with “Underneath.”

I’ve read reviews on this concert and saw the recurring theme of “relics” and past stars. I believe Matchbox Twenty has just picked up where they left. Their energy, performance, and creativity shine brightly. Combining their staple past with newer work emphasizes the fact that they are headliners. Rob Thomas does not just sing his song, he tells his story. The rest of the band collaborates to make the performance rich and full. They give and do not rest.

Bottom line? A great contemporary night of sound to be enjoyed by all! You get a chance, book it.


U2 3D

The following night, I went with friends to the Johnson IMAX Theater at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC. We saw the new U2 concert film shot entirely in 3D. It was a compilation of footage from the 2006 Latin American part of the Vertigo Tour. Technically, it was a site to be seen. To describe it outside of awesome would not do it justice. Musically, it was emotional and inspiring. The performance confirmed that U2 was not just of the world’s best rock bands but also part of the world conscience. Throughout the band’s existence, they have continuously demonstrated their commitment to world service. Even in the creation of this film, U2 signed on for the experimentation and not for profit. Kudos should also go to National Geographic for stepping up in their distributorship of the film. Due to technology and announcement, this film will not be in regular theaters or for home use. If you get an opportunity to see it, grab it.