Although I have never been to any of the House Of Blues venues, I eagerly anticipate this next performance from Better Than Ezra. I have become a big "Ezralite" since being "bitten" by the infectious tune "I Do" (Off the band's album "Closer") while watching a favorite t.v. show. Though I had heard of the band before---a friend tried to introduce me to them back in the 90's---I must admit, I didn't jump right into listening to the band. And, in retrospect, I can't understand my hesitation!
The journeys that I have taken after becoming a devoted "Ezralite" have included Watertown (WI), Clarkston (MI), Indianapolis (IN), and, now, on to Chicago, IL. Although the band was scheduled to appear in Watertown, WI on August 4th, 2006, the band cancelled due to a band member's loss of a family member. Though it was at first disappointing (being a newer "Ezralite" and my first attendance to see the band), it was totally understandable, of course. Besides, the entertainment that night (The Gufs and the BoDeans) were just as entertaining, but, each in their own way. However, this did not stop my "Ezralite" pursuit....far from it.
The next date on my journeys: September 8, 2006---Clarkston, MI. I learned thru the Better Than Ezra official band site (www.BetterThan Ezra.com) that their next performance was to be at the DTE Energy Music Theater, opening for Hootie & The Blowfish. Since ticketmaster in my area did not offer tickets, I relied on Ebay----and was able to secure four lawn tickets for the date! I was so pumped, I didn't really care about the drive---I just had to see this band perform! The total travel time roundtrip: 11 1/2 hours! Thank goodness the band's performance broke it up! The show at DTE began with a young lady named "Britney" taking the stage and performing a few numbers, the winner of a local amateur contest. It felt a little like American Idol, but she did perform well for her age. Better Than Ezra then followed Britney...and, though I wasn't very close to the band, I sang along with every song they played that night. I learned from this performance that Kevin Griffin is much more entertaining than for just his singing & songwriting abilities; at this point, to be honest, I didn't really know a lot about the band other than Kevin's name. By the end of the show, it felt as if I knew the whole band. This band has a very fun, entertaining live show that just makes you want to see them again & again! The only disappointment this night: since BTE opened for Hootie & The Blowfish, they weren't on stage as long as if they were the headliner. Other than that little disappointment, the drive, even roundtrip, was very much worth it.
After this performance---I really began keeping "tabs" on the band's tour schedule...no, I'm not a "crazy" fan (the band members don't need to worry about a stalker here...just a very serious "Ezralite"), I just liked their performance so much that I wanted to see Better Than Ezra as the headlining band. That chance came on October 20, 2006, when the band appeared @ Clowes Memorial Hall of Butler University in Indianapolis, IN. Although we arrived a little later than expected (construction near the university didn't help, LOL), we were there early enough to catch at least 3/4 of the opening band The Waiting Game's set. It is nice to get to know virtually "unknown" bands just as much as it is to be able to get to see a favorite band: The Waiting Game now has a new fan as well! Better Than Ezra took the stage a little earlier than anticipated for the night, however, this is one Better Than Ezra performance that will stand out in the minds of all Ezra fans that were there that night-----amid the band's lively show, Howie Day joined Better Than Ezra on stage for an impromptu get together. This made the show even livelier than the band's performance in Clarkston, MI: it felt as if the audience was part of a jam session with the artists. Kevin andTom were very entertaining this night with both being very laid back and joking with the audience; at one point, Kevin could be heard stating how the fans may be "thinking this is too cool to be real, but you now know it's live because we just f---"beep" up". Better Than Ezra then allowed Howie to do a small solo set---in which the guys acknowledged it was the first time in twelve years that they'd taken a break in the middle of a set----yet, the audience was very accepting of it; Howie later joked that he didn't need to schedule his own tour dates anymore. Better Than Ezra & Howie Day both performed during the encore....and then the show was over all too quickly. Before leaving Clowes Memorial Hall that night, my date and I went to the merchandise stands of the bands playing that night, and, we got to meet & chat with two members of The Waiting Game (the lead singer and lead bass guitarist), purchased their 3 song cd, and even got the lead singer's autograph. This was an awesome experience for me, especially since I have loved live performances since teenage years.
Even though both of these shows satisfied the need to seeBetter Than Ezra live, I still felt that I wanted to see the band again---so much so, that, the very next day I was looking up the band's website again, hoping a Chicago performance was going to be in the works. I soon found out that my hopes were going to be realised-----the website listed December 15, 2006 at Chicago's House Of Blues venue!
The House Of Blues seems to be a very popular venue for Better Than Ezra: a lot of their performances over the years have been atHouse Of Blues venues located in Louisiana, Florida, Chicago & probably more; they have also released a cd and a dvd recorded live @ the House Of Blues in New Orleans. So, to quote Kevin Griffin, "It's only natural" to see them at the House Of Blues.
Still touring for their May 2005 (Artemis Records) release "Before The Robots", the band is scheduled to appear at Chicago's House Of Blues on December 15 & 16, 2006. Opening Acts to appear on December 15th include Jon McLaughlin and Rick Brantley; opening act to appear on December 16th isGraham Colton. Doors open @ 7:30 p.m.; opening acts begin their set @ 9:00 p.m., with Better Than Ezra taking the stage @ (approximately) 10:30 p.m. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster and thru the House Of Blues (22.50-24.00 plus various fees), and, this band is well worth the ticket prices requested. If you're in the area, come show the band some love---and have an excellent evening at the House Of Blues in Chicago, IL.
rate
email
print
link to this page
