Inside the Pavilion, it was the Contemporary Youth Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by its founder and music director Liza Grossman, assisted by the men of STYX—Tommy Shaw, James Young, Lawrence Gowan, Ricky Phillips and Todd Sucherman, with a special guest appearance by founder Chuck Panozzo. Outside, it was entirely Mother Nature, who unleashed an abundance of lightning, thunder, rain and more rain.
I must admit this was the first real rock concert I’ve ever attended, and with all due respect to the brain trust responsible for this event, it will most likely be my last. Whatever hearing I have left at my age, I’d like to keep for a few more years. (Of course, it's entirely my fault that I forgot my ear plugs and my binoculars!) That said, however, it was an impressive total performance from this rookie’s standpoint. If the amount of energy expended on that stage could have been contained and re-marketed, the energy crisis would have taken a big hit!
However, from my seat mid-way in the Pavilion, I could easily see the fantastic technical effects: constantly changing colored lights from the grids on-stage as well as around the perimeter of the inner roof-line of the Pavilion; smoke clouds rising from the back of the stage, and the kaleidoscopic designs created by the lighting crew that spattered the side and rear walls of the stage. At one point bubbles morphed into a leopard print design. Very impressive.
Among the songs performed by the entire troupe (in the first part of the show) were—One With Everything; It Don’t Make Sense, Can’t Make Peace; Can’t Find My Way Home; Just Be; Everything All The Time; Crystal Ball; Miss America; and the Beatles song, I Am The Walrus. (That one I recognized!) Early on, two large screens unrolled, one on either side of the stage, which made viewing a lot easier, except when the wind rippled them, making the images somewhat Dali-esque. Unfortunately, they weren't used during the second half.
The Contemporary Youth Orchestra participated fully in these songs, which had been given full-out symphonic arrangements. Concertmaster Lavinia Pavlish continued to astonish listeners in her several solos, most notably in It Don’t Make Sense. In the introduction by Tommy Shaw, he referred to her playing as ‘bad-assed violin’ which was meant and taken as the very highest praise! Actually, throughout the evening, the men of STYX continued to emphasize the awesome abilities of Ms. Grossman and her musicians. I was absolutely delighted to overhear a young man sitting behind me as he remarked to his friend, “All bands should have an orchestra! This is great, man!” I couldn’t agree more.
Another facet of this concert was the recording for a DVD and Internet broadcast of the concert, as well as a pair of singles for possible release next Christmas. This necessitated a bit of unexpected visual effects being added to the stage during intermission. Several lighted Christmas trees were brought out. Fortunately we were warned about this during the initial welcoming, or we might have thought the vision of Christmas in May was caused by the somewhat funny smoke or beer fumes floating around the Pavilion. The orchestra and chorus wore Santa Hats to accompany the band in All I Want and Ring The Bells. If released as planned, I’m sure they’ll be welcome additions to the usual list of Christmas music available.
The trees were taken away, and the hats collected as they all got back to basics again. Featured STYX pieces were the STYX Medley with bits of 18 of their songs; Boat On The River, Fooling Yourself and their really big hit, Come Sail Away. I’m sure there were more, but I have no idea what they were, and no matter. The audience did, and they were enthusiastic in their appreciation and enjoyment of this high-energy concert. The youthful members of the orchestra were applauded as vigorously as the big-time, big-name rock stars. The youngsters absolutely earned it, and will never forget it!
Some aspects of this venture were great fun, and made me wonder what would happen if—for instance—a particularly nice glissando from the harp which was highlighted on the big screens and drew a rousing cheer for the harpist from the audience, should have happened in a concert at Severance Hall? Would the audience break out in a spontaneous burst of applause mid-music to cheer the musician? Interesting concept, to be sure.
I have no idea who actually produced the orchestrations and arrangements for the rock group and the orchestra to play together, but they were marvelous, and the transitions back and forth were seamless. It was a truly awesome experience, and I’m delighted that I was able to be there. Liza Grossman will really have to go some to top this accomplishment. If it’s possible, she’ll do it. And more power to her!
You can support this remarkable organization in many ways. For more information about the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, visit their site at: http://www.CYOrchestra.org or by calling (216) 241-5555.
From Cool Cleveland contributor Kelly Ferjutz artswriterATadelphia.net (:divend:)