World Cafe not suitable for Benson, Greenhornes
Jon Carrelli
Issue date: 10/7/05 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
Let's be honest here: The World Cafe, located at 30th and Walnut streets, is a gorgeous place to see music. The sound is impeccable and trounces most other venues in that respect.
The way in which their rock concerts are presented, however, is just not kosher. Most shows are meant to be sit-down with dinner. Having paid money to see a show and then having to shell out extra cash for a meal that you may or may not need can be frustrating and awkward.
Furthermore, what well-established artists want to play in front of an audience who is more interested in their overpriced meals? This concept renders any performing rock and roll band impotent. Sure they have the most ridiculous reproduction of sound coming through the speakers, but not one soul is standing in excitement. This environment works well for lighter, folkier fare, but it severely hampers music with a modicum of visceral attack. The dine-rock ideal further hurt the opening band, the Greenhornes, who would have gotten a more enthusiastic response at a conventional venue.
I'm well aware that the intended audience at World Cafe is thirtysomethings, but this anti-stomping ground isn't likely to last with such a format. Killing the feast beforehand, or at least clearing away the tables, would allow the audience to be engaged and allow some kind of bodily movement.
It seemed to me that most in attendance weren't really looking to see Benson or the Greenhornes; they were just looking for something to go along with their meal, like a cold, cold antipasto.
After the Greenhornes leave to meager applause, here comes Benson, the main course. And he comes out to ravenous - wait, what is that? - stomach grumbling from indigestion. Benson relates that the tour had previously brought them to a baseball stadium and a bowling alley. Personally, I'd rather perform under the disco ball and black lights to a crowd with slippery-soled shoes.
Benson and company performed what would normally be considered fan favorites, if fans were present. Energetic performances of "Feel Like Myself," "Alternative to Love," "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)," "What I'm Looking For" and "Spit It Out" from Benson's latest release fell on deaf ears. Benson also charged through "What," "Good to Me" and "Tiny Spark" from Lapalco, as well as "Crosseyed" and "Insects Rule" from One Mississippi.
He was smiling, but I'm sure he wasn't too thrilled to be there. I wouldn't have been either. Crowd applause was so minimal that it didn't even warrant an encore, not to mention that the only song request was from a roadie.
It's a damn shame, too, because Benson and company have become quite the touring band. A crowd in Europe would kill to hear a few more power-pop nuggets from Benson.
Here are two working sketches for Post-It notes to be slapped on the desks of the people who missed the memo that music is meant to be enthralling entertainment:
World Cafe, move the tables and chairs. Booking agent, leave the thirtysomethings with nothing to talk about at mealtime. Let them see how it feels. Hurts, doesn't it?
The way in which their rock concerts are presented, however, is just not kosher. Most shows are meant to be sit-down with dinner. Having paid money to see a show and then having to shell out extra cash for a meal that you may or may not need can be frustrating and awkward.
Furthermore, what well-established artists want to play in front of an audience who is more interested in their overpriced meals? This concept renders any performing rock and roll band impotent. Sure they have the most ridiculous reproduction of sound coming through the speakers, but not one soul is standing in excitement. This environment works well for lighter, folkier fare, but it severely hampers music with a modicum of visceral attack. The dine-rock ideal further hurt the opening band, the Greenhornes, who would have gotten a more enthusiastic response at a conventional venue.
I'm well aware that the intended audience at World Cafe is thirtysomethings, but this anti-stomping ground isn't likely to last with such a format. Killing the feast beforehand, or at least clearing away the tables, would allow the audience to be engaged and allow some kind of bodily movement.
It seemed to me that most in attendance weren't really looking to see Benson or the Greenhornes; they were just looking for something to go along with their meal, like a cold, cold antipasto.
After the Greenhornes leave to meager applause, here comes Benson, the main course. And he comes out to ravenous - wait, what is that? - stomach grumbling from indigestion. Benson relates that the tour had previously brought them to a baseball stadium and a bowling alley. Personally, I'd rather perform under the disco ball and black lights to a crowd with slippery-soled shoes.
Benson and company performed what would normally be considered fan favorites, if fans were present. Energetic performances of "Feel Like Myself," "Alternative to Love," "Cold Hands (Warm Heart)," "What I'm Looking For" and "Spit It Out" from Benson's latest release fell on deaf ears. Benson also charged through "What," "Good to Me" and "Tiny Spark" from Lapalco, as well as "Crosseyed" and "Insects Rule" from One Mississippi.
He was smiling, but I'm sure he wasn't too thrilled to be there. I wouldn't have been either. Crowd applause was so minimal that it didn't even warrant an encore, not to mention that the only song request was from a roadie.
It's a damn shame, too, because Benson and company have become quite the touring band. A crowd in Europe would kill to hear a few more power-pop nuggets from Benson.
Here are two working sketches for Post-It notes to be slapped on the desks of the people who missed the memo that music is meant to be enthralling entertainment:
World Cafe, move the tables and chairs. Booking agent, leave the thirtysomethings with nothing to talk about at mealtime. Let them see how it feels. Hurts, doesn't it?
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