My plan for seeing David Cook on this tour has been to try and experience his show at different style venues, from fair/festival types to the smaller club type. After 2 fairs and JKL, this smaller venue really showed how he and the band can bring it. There is something to be said about standing on a wood floor in an old theater and feeling the music resonate up through you feet. I noticed it first when Neal joined Crash Kings for "1985" so I give credit to his talent and skill as a top notch guitar player for contributing to that experience. You would think the drums would be all that would do that, but Neal's guitar playing apparently sends out similar reverberations.

I was glad to get the chance to see Ryan Star, even for an abbreviated and acoustic set, since my schedule didn't allow me to go to any of his own shows this week. Boo in part to the venue's process and no doubt also the last minute addition of another artist contributed to them not being able to accommodate everyone, but those of us further back in line outside were still trying to get through the security check when he took the stage. I watched part of his set over my shoulder while trying to get a beer at the bar, after missing the first song and 1/2. Oh, and my "regular girl" tastes came out when I found that this venue, being "trendy", does not serve Bud Light! LOL, no domestic beers, just imports. The Heineken tasted OK though.

The Crash Kings played a longer set than what they played at the AV Fair, which was great. I stopped at the merch tables afterwards and got their CD, along with Ryan's. Both artists were very gracious about signing them, and Ryan doesn't hesitate to give fans hugs, even though it took me by surprise.

David Cook and The Anthemic (DC&TA?) rocked the house, but that's not news. Getting to experience the acappella version of Lie was beautiful and definitely benefits from the indoor, small venue setting. Once the crowd settled down and just let him sing, it drew you in and kept you mesmerized, IMO. The rest of the set was very rocking and loud with the sound just surrounding the crowd and coming up from the wood floor. The smoke/haze effect for the stage also filled the room and when the lights came up several times during the concert, the whole place looked surreal from my POV. The crowd was great and participated in the singalongs when encouraged, but I didn't notice anyone singing in my ear for the whole show, nor did I sing in anyone else's ear.

I chose to not try and maintain a place in the crowd near the front and instead stood back at about 2/3's of the floor. Taller heads become less of a blockage because they shift around enough to allow me to see the stage better. I do like the whole band dynamic and want to see their interaction so I'm good with being further back. Also, this night it provided some good sightings, including Kyle, talking to friends next to the sound board between Ryan and Crash Kings' sets, Joey also talking to people in the same area, and Michael Johns with two drinks in hand, also with friends.

All in all, the best $20.00 (+ Ticketmaster fees, convenience charges and the other BS they charge for you to print out your own dam* tickets!). I've ever spent.