I had the amazing opportunity to see Ryan Star and his fabulous band headline again near home. This time he was playing at a venue he visited as an opening act with David Cook – LCCC’s Stocker Center in Elyria. The turnout wasn’t great – I don’t estimate well, but I would say maybe 80 people. But it was a nice, intimate performance and we got a full our and a half of music without a break. There was acoustic and full-band – Psycho Suicidal Girl and We Might Fall. It was breathtaking.

I’m not as familiar with Ryan’s catalogue as I am with certain other baby rock stars. But he is in heavy rotation on the I-Pod and I like most of what I have. But Ryan hit all of my favorites last night. He got We Might Fall stuck in my head all day today. We got Psycho Suicidal Girl (with the 8 year old front and center), We got a song that I don’t think I know (lits of his stuff sounds so different live to me). I’m calling it The Way to Your Heart (Nicole sent me a note saying she thought he said it was “You and Me”) and I’m already in love with it. Sink or Swim, Back of My Car, a ton of others and two that were most notable for me.

The first was a song that he had written some time prior to September of 2001 and he relayed a wonderful story about that fateful day, 9-11-01. I have trouble with stories and recollections about that time. But his telling was hopeful and his point was resiliency instead of loss. And the song was magnificent. A friend who was with me (Hi Kristin!!) had already procured an MP3 and I cherish it.

The second song was Breathe. I think it’s my favorite Ryan song (that or PSG – go figure). It has meaning to him. And it has meaning to me. And it’s gorgeous. And I almost thought we weren’t going to get it. I though about the missed opportunity with the CNN thing today and wondered what he was thinking. But it was the last song of the night, and it was special. He had pulled a bunch of folks up on stage for the last “official” song of the set and they were still there. He had explained earlier that he’s play one more if we wanted him to, but he wasn’t going to do the whole “clear the stage and come back” thing. So, he walked over to the grand piano that was on stage and had all of his guests sit down on stage – on the drum platform – wherever. And all of his band members came out and sat with everyone. And those of us in the audience were as riveted as they all were. And he played what might be, to me, the most beautiful version of the song I have ever heard. I won’t ever forget it.

After the show was over, we wandered out into the lobby and waited for them to come out. It was fun to watch them all interact with fans and see how animated they were. The Instigator had a nice long conversation with Eli, the new drummer. He really has made a positive impact on the band as a whole. And an interesting tidbit – it was mentioned that we have seen Ryan a few times and that it was mostly as an opener for David. His comment? “Yeah, they’re really great guys. That’s how I got in with Ryan’s band – through them”. So, I got the impression that Eli is a friend of someone in David’s band (or several someones) and they recommended him.

Ryan was as goofy and sweet and heartfelt as ever. There had to be some level of frustration/disappointment at the turn-out (what is WRONG with these people), but he stayed focused on showing his appreciation for those who did attend. And it was wonderful to run into familiar faces from previous concerts (I’m awful with names – sorry), as well as some folks I’ve come to call friends. And, in the end, even though I’ll be broke before it’s all over, I have one David Cook to thank for all the goodness. So, thanks, David.

If you are interested, here is the link to the rest of the pictures