LET IT SNOW

I returned to Ft. Lauderdale’s grungy, dingy, smoky, raucous, yet intimate, Culture Room for the next stop on Plantation’s summer concert tour. I’ve waited for Snow Patrol to come back since September when the concert got canceled due to a Hurricane. Let me tell you people, it was well worth the wait. I skipped the first two opening bands that played at last week’s Raveonette’s concert. The third opening band called Athlete was very good. Nice group of lads from the UK with a nice sound. They warmed up the crowd nicely, and when Snow Patrol took the stage just after 11 p.m., the small, intimate crowd roared their approval.

SP opened with the familiar “Chocolate.” The band looked and sounded revved. The crowd immediately joined lead singer Gary Lightbody (formerly of Reindeer Section) sing every word. I loved the interaction of the band with the crowd. Gary asked “us” if we survived the hurricane, took requests, and sported an overall dry sense of humor. They played some old songs and played a few new ones, but they mostly played every song on their current “Final Straw” CD. I listened and, as is my usual, I took several moments to look around and gather in my surroundings and appreciate where I was and how special times like these were. How wonderful is it that I’m hearing such good music, standing a mere 20 feet from the band, and sharing it all with 200 of my closest friends?

SP closed with the beautiful and haunting ballad “Run” and came back for a two-song encore. They said they’d be back here next year after the release of their new CD. I can’t wait. In the meantime, go ahead and treat yourself to the Final Straw CD. It’s great. Pack up the bus folks. Keane is next.