SISDELS GROOVE- Live at the Township

For me, Live is one of those rare bands I have listened to and loved for a number of years. Their music, from Mental Jewelry to Throwing Copper, Secret Samadhi, and now The Distance to Here, has improved over time. I have always wanted to see them perform. I got my chance this summer at Rockfest in Atlanta. However, I didn’t leave satisfied-I craved more! So, when I heard they were kicking off their world tour here in lowly Columbia, SC I knew I had to be there! I was doubly excited when I found I’d be able to photograph their show. At Rockfest, I’d been given the opportunity to photograph their show only to discover, one shot into it, that my film had run out! For the rest of the time I had to pretend to photograph the band-I was determined to not relive that experience.

Patra and I arrived at the Township in time to catch the opening act, Stoke 9. This quintet from San Francisco, CA is guitar-driven and great! They have a catchy little tune "Little Black Backpack" out now-let me assure you, their other songs are even better! They worked the crowd and left with many new fans in tow.

The Township looked fairly bare when the lights came up and I wondered (for the millionth time) how could Columbia be so full of stupid people? It’s a rare thing for such a nationally recognized rock band to play (let alone kick-off their tour!) here so why weren’t more people supporting the music scene? I became less disturbed as the place slowly filled with people.

Eager to get my photos on I made my way down to the photo pit. As the lights dimmed, the roar of the crowd echoed through the building. The strobe lights began and Chad Taylor, Patrick Dahlheimer, Chad Gracey, and Adam Kowalcyk (Ed’s brother) came out. Soon Ed emerged and I went photo-happy. I remember singing along, shaking my booty, and snap-snap-snapping. The actual songs, though, didn’t sink in until I got back to my seat. It was then that I realized they were performing my favorite, favorite song "Pillar Of Davidson". They settled in for what could have passed for an acoustic set. Chad, Adam, and Patrick played while seated on stools- only Ed remained standing, playing guitar. As they played they were immersed in beautiful blue and purple hues. The emotional high did not end there. Ed asked the crowd to take it easy on them because their next song had never been performed by them before. The crowd was ecstatic as they broke into John Lennon’s "Imagine".

Considering the show wasn’t sold out and Live really did not receive the media attention they deserved I could see how the band would consider never playing Columbia again. The one saving grace, however, was the awesome crowd that had assembled. They took over some of the songs, something the band obviously loved. Ed had us harmonize with him, asking the crowd to sing the phrase "love" (brought back memories of the Lenny Kravitz show) and I’m sure wasn’t too surprised when everyone seemed to know the lyrics to "Shit Towne".

Live played a pretty even mixture of old and new material. Of course the crowd reacted more to the material they knew, "Lakini’s Juice", "Lightening Crashes", and others received loud applause. Their new songs from The Distance To Here, "Sparkle", "The Dolphins Cry", and their own favorite, ".....River" all went over well.

The band seemed relaxed and their playing reflected their peace of mind. I must say, Adam Kowalcyk almost stole the show from his brother. His vocal harmonizing was amazing. Only Ed, though, possessed the electric energy that seemed to pulsate through his veins. You can tell he really feels his music. It comes across in every little action and the passion in his eyes are intense. Maybe that’s why Live chose to play the Township-because of the intimate feel it offers. Ed’s deeply spiritual lyrics seemed to gain a whole new dimension there.

The only thing that could have made this show any better would be knowing that they were ending their world-tour at the Township as well. But, since that is a pipe-dream I’ll just remain content in the phenomenal show they did perform here. And I’ll remain hopeful that they will come back again soon.