I forgot how much I love live music played in small venues. I’ve seen plenty of “big name” concerts at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland and even the Merrill Auditorium, which is intimate, but still doesn’t compare to a smaller club or even church function hall.
    My future brother-in-law Ryan recently played his first show at the Big Easy in Portland in a battle of the bands contest.
    I really didn’t know what to expect. They are considered a Christian rock band – which I learned means they still rock hard, they just don’t swear in their music – something I really respect.
    I could see his nervousness increasing as the first act took the stage – a 30-something guy wearing a button down shirt and tie, who rumor had it, played at the club often, but met his back up band only that day.
    His voice was great as was his energy. His music reminded me of some the more quirky alternative songs I listened to 10 years ago. He plugged his Myspace account at the end and I swore to myself I would visit it – he made a fan out of me.
    The second act, a younger guy with messy hair in a ratty sweatshirt and jeans went on and blew the audience away with just his voice, guitar and harmonica. He sang a Pearl Jam song better than Eddie Vedder and did a rendition of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean that I liked better than the original. Actually, I don’t think I ever liked the original song.
    One of the girls I was with vowed that she was in love and asked others at the club about him so she could see him perform again. As his set ended the audience begged for another song and he stood there, looking surprised and grateful.
    As Ryan and his band prepared for their turn they moved to a private spot at the back of the club. His wife told me they pray before each show. Not something I expected to see at a club in Portland, but it made me feel good to see it and further encouraged me to consider the diversity in not only that room, but on the local music scene.
    Their band was very good and the lead singer had a stage presence that excelled over some popular bands I’ve seen.
    As the night went on the bands remained good, though the audience seemed to lose interest the later it got – such is the club scene.
    Watching these performers engage the audience made me wish I could sing or play an instrument because it must be so satisfying to be able to share your craft like that on stage among a crowd of people who are just as excited about your performance as you are.
    I’ve interviewed musicians before and they always encourage me to take a closer look at local music. I’m convinced now, of the talent that’s out there and hopefully, I’ll learn to take advantage of it more often.
                – Molly Lovell