Definitely a different kind of concert. First of all, when you see a concert at Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall you are in assigned seats. It is stunning inside. The first half of the show was a nice relaxing experience with everyone seated. The band was very casual and lead singer Stuart Murdoch talked to the crowd in-between songs. About half way in, a fan asked if they could stand up. The lead singer said to wait 2 songs. The final quarter of the concert had everyone on their feet and the energy level picked up.
Musically, this is a very skilled band. There were 12 members on the stage. Most of the vocals were by Stuart Murdoch, but it seemed like everyone sang lead in at least one song. The rich layers of the pop rock/folk songs were amazing. They play acoustic, lead, rhythm, and bass guitars. On top of the guitars are an organ, piano, drums, trumpets, a quartet of strings, flute and violin. The thing is that they are really tight. The sound was really good. You could easily hear each instrument.
The 2 things that really stood out to me. First, let a handful of fans go on stage and dance with the band for 2 songs. I love how odd my fellow Portlanders are. Second, Stuart sang while going up the aisle and around the back of the theater. They didn't seem to have egos and know how important their fans are. It was so different than any concert I'd seen - because of the band and the venue.
Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall @
- Portland @
, OR @
- Tue, Oct 19, 2010 @
Setlist: The last song was Legal Man. @
Opening act(s): Typhoon. A band from Portland. We missed it, but I listened to some songs online and think they are pretty good. @