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Acoustic concerts surprise audiences
By Diana Matusewic
Performing acoustic sets, The Flops and Rob Skoro played music Friday that enchanted audiences more than anyone could have expected.
“It’s life-driven, intelligent pop rock,” said Barry Braun, executive director for DEEP (Diversity Events Educating People) and program director for KVSC.
Skoro, who usually plays bass for Mason Jennings Band, opened for the Flops with songs from his upcoming debut solo album, Proof, with just his acoustic guitar,
“(His music is) happily sedate. (It’s) very mellow; he had a different groove than the Flops (and) a very good grasp of simple, straightforward songs,” said Xakk Gilder, talent coordinator for DEEP and on-air DJ/training director for KVSC.
“He had good stage presence (and) used his guitar quite well,” said Jed Cousin, who deals with media relations for DEEP.
“Rob Skoro had a very good stage presence and I look forward to seeing his performance in the future,” Braun said.
John Munson and Matt Wilson of the Flops performed music from their album, Ooh La-La and some songs that will be on their next release. For some songs, Munson played the cello and occasionally the harmonica, but primarily they both played acoustic guitars.
There was lots of laughter in the crowd, as well. Throughout the show, the two provided humorous interplay
“The chemistry between the two was so good. It’s something you don’t see often,” Braun said.
“My favorite part was the acoustic version(s) of Trip Shakespeare songs of the past, especially when they did ‘Tool Master.’ It’s probably their most popular, most requested song.”
Trip Shakespeare was the band in which both Munson and Wilson played together. Munson eventually ended up in the popular band Semisonic.
“The taste of what we have heard of them on the radio was not only lived-up-to, but surpassed,” Gilder said.
For some people, the best part was the interaction between Munson and Wilson.
“I especially like the fact that they would engage the crowd with their songs and they would banter back and forth,” Cousin said.
After the show, the audience cheered and clapped for two encores. After the second encore the crowd kept cheering for more until the lights returned.
“I’ve been to shows like that and there was never that kind of a response,” Gilder said. “(That was the) warmest response to two people performing in years.”
The show didn’t quite sellout, but it came close with an attendance of about 110. Those involved with planning the show were proud of the overall turnout of the show.
“That was our best show of the year as far as crowd response and notoriety goes,” Braun said. “(It was) well-prepared yet spontaneous.”
Many agreed with the fact that the show went so well.
Not only was the ambiance right, but so were the people. There was, for most, the perfect amount of intimacy.
“I would describe the performance as, if your best friends were also your idols and you got to spend an evening with them, (that’s) what it would be like,” Gilder said.
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