July
28, 2006
Guster and Ray LaMontagne Thrill Sold-Out Charter One
Pavilion
By Randy J. Klodz
With singer-songwriter Ray LaMontagne as support, Guster showcased its soft-rock
rhythms, and many new tracks from “Ganging Up on the Sun,” to a
sold-out crowd at Chicago’s Charter One Pavilion on July 28.
The long-haired and bearded Ray LaMontagne took to the sold-out Charter One
Pavilion stage in a long-sleeve plaid shirt as the evening temperature exceeded
95 degrees. LaMontagne warmed the crowd with a 45-minute set that featured show
staples “Jolene,” “Shelter” and “Trouble,”
among other songs. Although the crowd could be exhausted by the heat, the fans
greeted LaMontagne with open-arms and enjoyed each of his songs.
As headliners, Guster took to the warm stage as the giddy crowd clapped, sang
and laughed through the 100-minute set.
The crowd, which consisted mostly of those 25 and over, enjoyed Guster songs
like “Amsterdam,” “Center of Attention,” “I Spy,”
“Satellite” and “Manifest Destiny.” As custom, the crowd
interacted with the “4-3-2-1” countdown in the song “Barrel
of a Gun” and threw objects--this time small glow sticks--on stage during
the jam session in the middle of “Airport Song.”
Ryan Miller (lead vocals, guitar) served as part-time comedian. Upon the completion
of “Ramona,” he addressed the sweaty crowd: “It’s muggy
out here. Everybody’s all hot and sweaty. I have what seems like tsetse
flies buzzing around my head, so I feel like Pig Pen from the Peanuts cartoons.”
Also accompanying Miller on stage included: Adam Gardner (vocals, guitar), Brian
Rosenworcel (drums/percussionist extraordinaire) and Joe Pisapia (bass/other
instruments).
Other highlights of the show include the three-song encore that featured “Lightning
Rod,” “The New Underground” and “Happier,” the
show’s ender.
Guster’s current tour is scheduled to run through Oct. 4 when the band
stops by Portland’s Crystal Ballroom. For more info on Guster log on to
www.guster.com.
| Guster |
Photo: C Taylor Crothers |
