Everclear
The Pasadena Playhouse is not the first (or second, or third!) venue that comes to mind when considering rock concert locations. That may soon change if a recent concert by the multi-platinum selling band Everclear is any indication.
The band, founded in Oregon in 1992, is still going strong. Everclear is currently in its fourth incarnation, but retains Art Alexakis on guitar and lead vocals. As such, the sound is just as I remember it from the ubiquitous radio play that began in the mid-nineties and continues today. With hits such as Father of Mine, I Will Buy You A New Life, Santa Monica, Wonderful, and Everything to Everyone (plus album sales north of six million) Everclear has enjoyed a long and successful run.
While the band showed up on this night to play all those hits, their performance (for which a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Playhouse’s Wells Fargo Music Diversity Program) was still quite unique. Part of this was due to the intimate environment the Pasadena Playhouse offers with a capacity of just 658. Another big part it was because of the volunteer staff on hand. This was the most helpful group of people I’ve dealt with at a concert venue since, well, ever! A small snafu at Will Call was remedied with alacrity. Security, the ushers, and the management were obviously there to help (as opposed to hinder and harass) the patrons. In fairness to larger venues, seating, crowd control (and credential issues at Will Call) are far more difficult to deal with due to the sheer numbers involved. Regardless, every person that I dealt with from this venue was a real pleasure to interact with.
From the moment the lead singer parked his truck next to mine in the public lot behind the Playhouse, I realized that this was not going to be the “usual show.” My guess was confirmed when the band immediately started taking requests and engaging in conversations with the audience. One fan even had the temerity to approach/rush the stage to offer Alexakis a drink. (The offer was politely declined, as Alexakis has been sober for over two decades.) Just try THAT brilliant maneuver at most concerts and see how the talent and security react!
The Men’s Choir of Pasadena Community College provided rich backup vocals for a portion of the Everclear performance, while The Fetching, a collaboration between singer/songwriter Tahkus and guitarist/songwriter Santiago Granados, opened the show. Tahkus and Granados met while students at the Los Angeles Music Academy (LAMA) in Pasadena and founded their band in 2011. Alexakis (who will soon be teaching as a Professor of Songwriting at LAMA) chose The Fetching to open over several other LAMA alumni bands in contention for the spot. A fine choice indeed, as Tahkus’ feminine yet powerful vocals were a nice opening band contrast to the testosterone driven sound that is Everclear.
While the acoustics of the Pasadena Playhouse, in operation since 1924, are not ideal, the overall experience this tiny space offers is. My hope is that the success of the Everclear concert will lead to many more like it at the Playhouse, which will fast become my venue of choice.
