Friday, April 28, 2006
Downtown Alexandria, Louisiana
The Front Street Project
This year's RiverFest was unquestionably one of the best to date.
...Even though my camera didn't live long enough to "capture" the moment...
Ahem.
Opening for Saving Jane on Friday evening was The Front Street Project, an alternative rock band from right here in central Louisiana. But I have to say, these local guys -- Trace Hester, lead vocals/guitar; Adam Guillory, lead guitar; Ben Rosier, bass; Chris Hamptom, drums -- could very well have been the headline act.
Setting themselves apart from the edgier rock music that central Louisiana typically boasts, The Front Street Project's influences include some of my own personal favorites: Jason Mraz, the Counting Crows, the Dave Matthews Band, and more. Their music is not only fun and fresh, but the band projects a laid-back attitude that appeals to all ages.
Additionally, the down-to-earth local rock stars offer something very unique to their ensemble: a violin player. Andr�, who is also a music professor at NSU in Natchitoches, sometimes accompanies the band at their shows. I, personally, have seen him play twice before with the boys. Each time, I can't help but notice how he is one of these unusually gifted musicians, who can pick up a song and play it at the drop of a hat, adding his own signature style to the performance. The professor compliments an already talented and well-structured band.
One of their two cover songs was "Ants Marching," a Dave Matthews tune. They absolutely HAD to play that one, since they had the professor with them. Otherwise, "It's like going to church without your bible," laughed lead singer, Trace Hester.
Oh, and they can rock a Hendrix tune like nobody's business!
Check out my boys on MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thefrontstreetproject
Saving Jane
Last but far from least, headline act, Saving Jane, took the stage. Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, these rockers -- Marti Dodson, lead vocalist; Pat Buzzard on and Mike Unger on lead guitars; Dak Goodman on drums; Jeremy Martin on bass; and "Handsome Joe" Cochran on keys -- played before an exuberant crowd of adults and children alike, as they belted out one hit-worthy song after another.
Their lyrics are edgy, frank, and project in-your-face attitude; and in every song, Marti defines what "girl power" is all about.
Their songs are very personal, and deal with everything from moving on and getting past bad relationships; telling off an ignorant ex; being independent of others; and just being happy with being yourself. That is exactly one of the many things I like about this band -- how personal their music is. "Autumn & Me" is about Marti and her best friend. "Come Down To Me" is a piano-driven track, and is all about having a crush on someone who doesn't like you back. As Marti began "Imperfections," she told the crowd that this was about accepting yourself just the way you are. "Tell you boyfriends, your Moms, your Dads...that you're FINE just the way you are," she said.
Although I listen to all of their songs over and over again, personally speaking, I especially like "Who's Cryin' Now." Marti explained that this particular song was about a guy she dated, who broke up with her simply by not calling anymore. (Been in that situation myself...) She said that one day, he'll turn on the radio, and know that song was written about him. (And feel like an idiot for giving away a girlfriend who turned into a rock star!)
Although Marti is the lead singer, she says, "Every now and then, I like to show off my boys." With that, Pat, one of the Saving Jane guitarists, rocked the house and sang a couple of songs on his own.
The band played a Janice Joplan tune, and they saved their smash hit, "Girl Next Door," for last. The crowd was dancing and singing right along with the band. The enthusiasm the crowd had is typically unknown in these parts.
After the show, I was among the privileged ones who stayed behind and got autographs. All of the band members were just as sweet and down-to-earth as they could be. Pat told me that they "didn't want to leave," but that they "needed a couch to crash on."
Being the man-crazy girl that I am, I stepped out of my "business persona" for a bit, and straight-up told "Handsome Joe" how cute he is! He can come play MY KEYS any day! Eh, what can I say? I'm a sucker for a cute keyboardist. There's just something about their nervous energy!
I have to be fair, though, and say all of the guys were attractive!
Okay, enough of that! ;O) Now, go check out their music!
http://www.myspace.com/savingjane
http://www.savingjane.com
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