 "Photo: N/A")
First it was a tribute to The Beatles with "RAIN," and last night the University Arts Series continued with its throwback to the ’60s and ’70s with Brian Wilson of the legendary Beach Boys.
It was apparent from the show’s start the band would overshadow Wilson for the duration of the performance, the long performance of two and a half hours.
By 7:25 p.m. the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre was fairly empty with a subdued crowd, when Wilson came on stage accompanied by his 10-piece band, opening the show with the seasonal favorite – "The Monster Mash."
Though it was a nice gimmick, I personally prefer Bobby Pickett’s rendition.
Wilson soon moved on to "Dance, Dance, Dance," which was warmly received by the audience, but things quickly went down hill. As Wilson sat behind his keyboard he announced, "My boy Jeff will sing for you."
Because that’s who everyone came to see – Jeff Foskett, a longtime affiliate with Wilson and the Beach Boys. Fortunately, Jeff did prove his vocal abilities on "Then I Kissed Her."
"Surfer Girl" was one of the night’s highlights, which was followed by "In My Room."
Wilson really nailed it there.
With the energy of a sloth, his delivery left me wishing I had stayed home, as Wilson obviously should have done as well.
Throughout the concert, things only got stranger. At one point Wilson randomly asked people to light up their cigarette lighters, which only one person did, and then told some incomprehensible story.
Wilson announced one of his following songs with, "and now for a little love song, a nice love song for lovers in love," before playing "Please Let Me Wonder."
Then, once again, dear reader, old Foskett took the lead on a favorite, "Don’t Worry Baby," after which, Wilson proceeded to sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" in a round with the audience.
Why? One might question. If only I could deliver an answer.
When it was time for the classic "California Girls," the audience naturally showed much enthusiasm, but before the song was complete Wilson got up from his station and shuffled off the stage.
It would be wrong to not mention Wilson’s charming attire; I may not have had the best seat in the house, but those were sweat pants.
To add to the confusion, it was announced that there would be a 20 minute intermission.
Twenty minutes for what?
Nonetheless at 8:45 p.m. the show went on, and the audience was requested to stand up for "Do You Wanna Dance?"
If the audience has to stand shouldn’t Wilson have to too?
Apparently not.
I remember him being a lot more energetic and lively in all of those "Full House" episodes, and Foskett graced the audience again with, "Wouldn’t It Be Nice."
Fair is fair though. The band’s musicianship was of an excellent quality from start to finish. It was definitely the most noticeable aspect of the evening, other than the sweats of course.
Wilson left the stage prematurely again on "Good Vibrations" missing the audience’s standing ovation. At this point it was past 9:30 p.m., and after a 20 minute intermission, an encore was a little much to take.
Alas, the band was introduced and then played a short version of "Country Roads."
Clever.
They then played hits such as, "Help Me Rhonda," "Barbara Ann," "Surfin’ USA" and more.
We waited two and a half hours for the big hits and most energy.
Wilson left the stage, again, but came back out for the second (yes, second) encore, plays "Love and Mercy," then took hands with his band and took a bow to a appreciative, confused and oh so tired crowd.
