Standing about 5 meters back from stage, in the rain, I ponder whether or not David Usher is going to come out from backstage. It’s Winter Fest in Richmond and winter on the wet coast means rain and more rain, so everything seems to be on par. Richmond City organizers have deemed fit to organize an annual community event to celebrate Richmond’s part in hosting the 2010 Olympic games. Each year the event committee selects a musical act to headline the festivities. This year’s musical headliner is Canada’s own, David Usher.
By my estimate approximately 400 committed festival goers brave the damp evening for the show. David Usher finally emerges and starts the show off with tracks from some of his more recent (lesser known) albums. Then the music takes a twist for the nostalgic as the band plays music from David’s former band Moist. To highlight the evening Usher manages to climb onto a platform in the front area of the crowd and belt out the lyrics to “love will save the day,” off his album, If God Had Curves. During this passionate and moving song he proceeds to hold hands of screaming fans while wearing a genuine grin from ear to ear. The concert gets even better from this point. High-energy music fuels the crowd and David Usher, and his crew, finish off a 30min encore.
I went to this show expecting to be let down. I was very mistaken. Though I may not be a huge fan of Usher’s music, he has an amazing stage presence. I like that he cut out the rock star attitude, so many bands wallow in, and put on a great show that everyone in attendance could enjoy. Well done David Usher (and band) and well done Richmond for putting on a community event that went off without a hic-up. Speaking of which, where were the Anti-Olympic protesters? RAF
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 12th, 2008 at 11:54 pm and is filed under City, Festivals. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Hey RAF, when was this? I have a big crush on David Usher, and I’m sorry I missed it! Sounds like it was a great show.
Sorry you missed is Kamal. It was in Richmond on Friday Feb 8th. there was a free street concert. it was great. They closed down a block on Granville street, between three road and minaru.
Very good times for everyone. They even managed to keep the possible corporate advertising orgy down to a three way.
Boston Pizza, Telus Mobility and Coast Capital Bank.
OMG - I think it was on Saturday - and I say this because we were picking up a friend of mine for this disastrous Seattle road trip and she lives on Granville in Richmond…and we were wondering why we had to do a bunch of detours. Aaaah, David Usher was only like a block away.
Alas, until next time!