Every year I look forward to Halloween. Not because of the candy or the costumes, but because of the concerts. Every major city has a special show of some sort and you it is a pretty safe bet that the bands at that show will do something special. Thus was the case with the free Kansas City Power and Light Concert.
Opening act Company of Thieves showed Kansas City their love by dressing as characters from the popular story set in Kansas: The Wizard of Oz. They outfits were fun, so we’ll forgive them the usual “But we’re in Missouri, not Kansas” speech that so many bands passing through KC get and just appreciate their tribute. They got really into the costumes and singer Genevieve Schatz made comments, “I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore” and “There’s no place like home,” in between songs. At one point, they even morphed one of their tunes into a cover of “Somewhere over the Rainbow.”
They were so much fun and so good. Each musician in the band had such amazing skills that I felt guilty that Genevieve’s powerful vocals commanded so much of my attention. I didn’t want to neglect focusing on anyone. The audience was dancing and while I don’t think many knew the words to songs outside of the popular radio single “Oscar Wilde,” everybody got really into this set. I must admit that after finally seeing Company of Thieves, I might have a new favorite band and a slight girl crush on Schatz. Their recorded album does not do their live show justice.
As far as I was concerned, the next act, Our Lady Peace was the evening’s headliners. There was some actual confusion about this. A local, but major band Pomeroy had the last play slot, but this seemed to be marketed as an Our Lady Peace concert. It was unfortunate because I think some people would have come out earlier had they known the line up. Although, there was still a very formidably sized crowd for the openers filled with your normal person, robots, swine flu characters and like 30 dancing penguins.
The Canadian alternative rockers in Our Lady Peace missed the memo that you were supposed to dress up on Halloween, but they still got the memo on bringing treats. Aside from a full set that surprised me with how many singles they have had over the years that I knew and knew well, they ended with a very special treat. When it approached time for the last number, “Starseed,” a special Kansas City area artist joined them on stage. David Cook of American Idol fame joined in on vocals. As if that wasn’t enough of a treat, the Company of Thieves crew ran back out and danced and jammed.
So while knowing when Our Lady Peace was scheduled to play was tricky, for those who were there got this special treat:
Our Lady Peace: website | myspace | @ troubador | interview with: Jeremy Taggart
