2008 Woodie Awards
Concert Kicks in Smith
Kara Agostino
Issue date: 4/7/04 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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On March 28, 2004, Manhattan College was graced with the greatness of one of the most popular musicians in the music world today along with some of the less recognized rockers out there. Advertisements for the Michelle Branch concert were posted at various places on campus and by Sunday morning the show was sold out.
The first performance of the eventful evening was by Joe Firstman, a band that has attributes of all the great artists. With influences like Elton John and The Beatles, their own new edgy rock and roll mixed with their key piano elements. Joe Firstman (who began tickling the ivories at the age of twelve) definitely knows how to have fun with their music and keep their fans interested, but would you really expect anything less from a pianist that plays his shows barefoot?
There is a sense of intrigue and admiration after hearing their new fresh sound.
Their genre of music is not quite easy to define. (There band includes an organist, a bassist, a lead guitarist, a pianist, and a drummer.) The songs on their latest album, The War of Women, range anywhere from hard rock number to a soft pop ballad. In concert, these fantastic five gave a performance that left the audience wondering why someone was not opening for them; still, everyone was dazzled by their dynamic musical extremes, each being equally strong.
After their segment of the show, Joe Firstman was kind enough to sign autographs to anyone that asked. Each member of the band was extremely gracious and polite when they took time to speak with each person. Aside from their musical abilities, you will not meet a nicer group of guys.
Gavin DeGraw, known for his hit song from One Tree Hill, was the next performer of the night and the female forces went into a frenzy. It was obvious that DeGraw loved to perform live the minute he walked on stage. With his hysterical humor about the security and his sparkling smile, he seemed to be a very personable fun-loving guy.
DeGraw kicked the concert into high-gear playing songs featured on his new album such as Chariot and Follow Through. He also delighted the audience with his own version of Sexual Healing and Let's Get it On, climbing over the barricades to serenade a few ladies. His suave, sexy, and soulful voice made his music nothing less than greatness. Overall, Gavin DeGraw got the crowd pumped for the rest of the evening and his voice left everyone in awe.
The first performance of the eventful evening was by Joe Firstman, a band that has attributes of all the great artists. With influences like Elton John and The Beatles, their own new edgy rock and roll mixed with their key piano elements. Joe Firstman (who began tickling the ivories at the age of twelve) definitely knows how to have fun with their music and keep their fans interested, but would you really expect anything less from a pianist that plays his shows barefoot?
There is a sense of intrigue and admiration after hearing their new fresh sound.
Their genre of music is not quite easy to define. (There band includes an organist, a bassist, a lead guitarist, a pianist, and a drummer.) The songs on their latest album, The War of Women, range anywhere from hard rock number to a soft pop ballad. In concert, these fantastic five gave a performance that left the audience wondering why someone was not opening for them; still, everyone was dazzled by their dynamic musical extremes, each being equally strong.
After their segment of the show, Joe Firstman was kind enough to sign autographs to anyone that asked. Each member of the band was extremely gracious and polite when they took time to speak with each person. Aside from their musical abilities, you will not meet a nicer group of guys.
Gavin DeGraw, known for his hit song from One Tree Hill, was the next performer of the night and the female forces went into a frenzy. It was obvious that DeGraw loved to perform live the minute he walked on stage. With his hysterical humor about the security and his sparkling smile, he seemed to be a very personable fun-loving guy.
DeGraw kicked the concert into high-gear playing songs featured on his new album such as Chariot and Follow Through. He also delighted the audience with his own version of Sexual Healing and Let's Get it On, climbing over the barricades to serenade a few ladies. His suave, sexy, and soulful voice made his music nothing less than greatness. Overall, Gavin DeGraw got the crowd pumped for the rest of the evening and his voice left everyone in awe.