Party at the Showbox: Fitz and the Tantrums

First of all, I admit I don't go to a lot of concerts that are not Five For Fighting concerts.  When I do, I preferably stick to artists that I already know... Pet Shop Boys and Depeche Mode are examples.  So, when I discover someone new, and I mean REALLY new, that's unusual.  Such is the case of the pop-indie-soul group Fitz and the Tantrums.  Last September, I attended Seattle's Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival over Labor Day weekend.  My main plan was to see Hall & Oates...I've been a fan of their music since the 70's.  You can read about that day in my blog The heart of rock and soul. The musical act before Hall & Oates was Fitz and the Tantrums, and I was pleasantly impressed with what I heard. When I found out they were coming back to Seattle to perform at the Showbox, I had to go. I was especially looking forward to the more intimate club setting...nothing like seeing a band up close and personal. 

 
I was unsuccessful in getting anyone to accompany me to the concert so I went solo.  I arrived early at the Showbox and had a bite to eat in their bar called the Green Room.  One perk in doing this...you get to go in the club before the other folks lined up outside.  I found myself in my customary spot front and center at the stage. There were two opening acts... American Tomahawk and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.  I didn't much care for the former...they sounded much like a garage band.  The second band was a little better, but still not my cup of tea.  At least they both didn't spend too much time on the stage, as I was starting to get a little antsy.

When Fitz and the Tantrums finally made their appearance, the crowd definitely perked up.  As they started into their first song, I made eye contact with my buddy, bass player Joe Karnes.  He toured with Five For Fighting last year and I got to know him when I followed the tour for six shows.  I waved to him, and Joe smiled and nodded his head in acknowledgement.  It didn't take me long to realize that picture taking would prove too difficult for me for this show.  My camera can't handle a lot of movement on stage, and there was a LOT of that!  So, I opted to just take a few videos and do some screen captures for shots of the action.

The concert was pretty much non-stop...about an hour and a half of the most energetic music I've ever experienced!  The stage was literally hopping!  Here is the set list for the night:

Don't Gotta Work It Out
Breakin' The Chains
Winds Of Change
Wake Up
Pickin' Up The Pieces
Steady As She Goes
Rich Girls
6 AM
Tighter

Love Sick Man!
L.O.V.
In Bloom
Dear Mr. President
News 4 U

Encore:
Sweet Dreams
MoneyGrabber

Since this was a 21+ show, there were people drinking in the audience.  I think some had a little TOO much to drink, and it didn't take long for it to manifest itself.  A few songs into the concert, a couple of guys to the right of me became overly enthusiastic while getting into the music.  They started shoving their way forward, pushing not only their girlfriends, but people around them, including myself.  At times, I found myself shoving back.  What was this, a mosh pit?  Thankfully, their antics caught the attention of lead singer, Michael Fitzpatrick.  After finishing a song, he called them out and told them to cool it.  They got the message and settled down, and kept their enthusiasm to themselves.  I have to give Fitz credit...what a classy guy!  Throughout the show, Fitz would often come to the very edge of the stage, many times right above me!  At one point, he even left the stage and disappeared into the audience, although I could still hear him...it was pretty dark in the room.  Then, next thing I know, he appeared right behind me, and literally used my shoulder to help steady himself as he hopped back on stage!  OK, glad I could help! 

After the concert, Fitz and singing partner Noelle Scaggs were available for a meet and greet.  I had brought my CD of their album Pickin' Up The Pieces to get signed.  I was hoping to talk to Joe, but he and the other band members stayed backstage.  I greeted Fitz and Noelle with a handshake and told them that I really enjoyed the show.  I added that it was the most exciting show that I had ever attended, which is true.  The energy that I witnessed on stage was truly amazing!  They really appreciated my compliments, and were truly thankful for all the support from the fans.  Really nice people!  Of course, my encounter wouldn't be complete without a photo, so here it is...I think it came out pretty good!

Afterward, I still found myself wanting to see Joe, so I looked back toward the stage to see if he was anywhere around.  To my surprise, I spotted him walking in front of the stage.  I called out to him, and he stopped and came over.  Joe greeted me with a hug and we chatted.  I reiterated to him about the energy on stage, and compared it to the relatively low energy Five For Fighting shows.  Joe seemed to lament that he wasn't touring with John Ondrasik, but I told him that he was probably going to be busy for quite awhile with his new band.  Basically, I was telling Joe that I could see great success and longevity with Fitz and the Tantrums, and he was lucky to be able to showcase his bass playing talents with them.  Joe said he spotted me right off the bat at stage front, which made me laugh, since I'm always in front for Five For Fighting concerts.  After another hug, I bid my friend goodbye.  A fitting ending to an awesome night!  Thanks Fitz and the Tantrums for an unforgettable show!  Looking forward to seeing you again next time you come to Seattle!