Best show I've seen in years…read more
Every song was a toe tapper or a heart breaker. Mary Bridget Davies has one of the strongest, most soulful voices I've ever heard. I'm amazed that she can push the limits of her voice like that for an entire show. It's so powerful. It just cuts right through you. Can't say enough at how terrific a vocal talent and performer she is. Normally, to be able to hit all the notes she did, would take being in a studio, and many "takes" to hit all the right notes, but Mary Bridget Davies hits 'em every time, flawlessly.
The rest of the band was also tremendously talented. I did think Wayne Kramer, one of the guitar players wasn't quite up to par with the rest of the band. All his solos were highly distorted and cacophonous. For one solo, I thought that was OK, but all his solos were like that. I kept waiting for him to really cut loose and make something happen, but he never did. I can tell that he can, he just won't. I wish I had a picture of one of the band members frowning at him during one of his particularly esoteric solos.
In all fairness, I think most people enjoyed him, but based on who he is, I was expecting much more from him. He was cool and fun to watch though.
The show flowed very well. The first half was better in my opinion. The second half was good, but included a lot of long jams and solos...probably so Mary could rest her voice. The solos were mighty tasty though, so I didn't mind at all...with the exception of what I mentioned in the previous paragraph.
The theater itself is great. TONS of legroom. I'm 6'1, and the guy next to me was 6'5" and we both commented on how much leg room we had. The seats themselves are pretty worn out, as in the padding had pretty much gave up its "springing back" qualities a while ago. My friend changed seats with me because the springs in the seat were bothering her. To me, it just added to the charm. I hope they keep the seats the way they are. By the way, I was in seat 13, but in my row, N, there was no seat 13, just two seat number 12s, followed by seat 14. See pic.
The sound was perfect. Just loud enough to feel it, but not so loud that my ears were bleeding. I could actually hear normally and my ears weren't ringing afterwards. The lighting was also just right, and it created the perfect mood and effect.
Parking. I parked two blocks away on the street for free. So much easier to find street parking in Pasadena than in LA. There are several $3 lots available If you don't feel like walking more than a block.
What a great experience!!! Playhouse definitely ROCKS, and so do you Katie B. , for this wonderful event!!