As the narrator from “Field of Dreams” states; “if you build it, they will come.” In the case of guitarist Jeff Howard, who opened up a night of musical excellence at UR’s Drama House this past Friday, if he played it, they would come. After a few minutes of playing, Howard’s audience had already met the Drama House’s maximum capacity. Howard, a former member of the McLovins, also known for his stints with artists Stanley Maxwell and Will Evans, opened up with a Daft Punk medley and James Blake. After cracking a few jokes, the guitar wasn’t the only thing Jeff had wrapped around his fingers. The next song, “is a little different” as Howard explained. Jeff called himself a “one-man Kanye West tribute band,” before jamming out to a piece that began with West’s “Welcome to Heartbreak” and transitioned to “Stronger,” another hit by West. An excellent interpretation of Kanye West’s hits left the masses in ecstasy. Howard then performed a rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Swimming Pools.” He ended with “What an Experience,” by Janelle Monae, and it sure was.
The next act featured Rochester’s very own Park Lot Shuttle. The group included Ethan Davis on the vocals, guitarist Michael Silverstein, bass player David Stark, keys phenom Jeffrey Frank, drummer Adam Kane, saxophonist Zach Howard, and trumpeter Bubba Fricke. As vocalist Ethan Davis put it “let’s get dirty with Mr. Clean.” Seconds into Park Lot Shuttle’s opener, every member in the crowd was on their feet. The band’s performance of “Mr. Clean” was exceptional and its cover of MGMT’s “Electric Feel” brought life to the Drama House. With a little Red Hot Chili Peppers, who could stop listening to the group?
The final group featured musicians from Eastman – just in time for Easter, as the funk band is known as Eggs Benedict. The group brought the Drama House down while they covered Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” A vibrant guitarist and reed player anchored the piece, and the crowd sang along, but not quite as in tune. All in all, last Friday night at the Drama House was quite enjoyable, with a lineup loaded with musical talent.
Horgan is a member of
the class of 2017.
