Photos and Review by Rebecca Clark
During Independence Day weekend, music goers gathered at CMAC in Canandaigua, NY, on July 2nd for an unforgettable concert featuring Dashboard Confessional and the Counting Crows. The night promised an eclectic blend of alternative and rock melodies, and both bands delivered on their promises.
Kicking off the show, Dashboard Confessional took the stage with lead vocalist Chris Carrabba leading the charge. Carrabba’s quirky and engaging interaction with the crowd immediately set the tone for an enjoyable evening. With a playful demeanor, he had people clapping and even asked if they were proud of themselves, charming the audience from the get-go.
Throughout their set, Carrabba’s energy was contagious, as he kicked his leg up frequently, displaying his exuberance and enjoyment while performing. The band’s performance was not just about music; Carrabba also connected with the audience through heartfelt conversations. He asked the crowd about their thoughts on love, expressing his own affinity for it before launching into the soulful song “Stolen.”
One of the highlights of Dashboard Confessional’s set was when Carrabba shared a personal moment of validation when he appeared in a movie. This anecdote led seamlessly into their song “Validation,” showcasing the band’s emotional depth. The set continued with more heartfelt tunes, culminating in the crowd joining in enthusiastically during the final song, “Hands Down.” Bassist Scott Schoenbeck’s dedication was evident as he poured his all into the performance, lying on the stage floor while playing until the last note.
After an electrifying performance by Dashboard Confessional, it was time for the main event: Counting Crows. As the band hit the stage, the audience erupted with cheers as the classic sound of “Round Here” filled the venue, immediately captivating the audience and prompting everyone to rise to their feet.
Frontman Adam Duritz’s animated and theatrical stage presence was a sight to behold. His expressive hands emphasized the emotions embedded within each song, adding another layer of connection with the audience. The band’s rich sound and tight performance only enhanced the experience.
Amidst the classics, Counting Crows dialed down the vibe, treating the audience to some acoustic renditions, including a beautiful cover of the Grateful Dead’s “Friend of the Devil.” The harmonies were sweet and the performance carried a slight country touch, adding a fresh twist to the set.
Duritz’s interactions with his bandmate Charlie highlighted the camaraderie among the band members and gave the show an intimate touch. They smoothly blended songs like “Goodnight Elizabeth” with “Pale Blue Eyes,” delivering a delightful medley.
Counting Crows didn’t shy away from showcasing their latest work, presenting their EP Butter Miracle Suite One with passion and enthusiasm. Tracks like “The Tall Grass,” “Elevator Boots” (featuring Duritz on tambourine), “Angel of 14th Street,” and “Bobby and the Rat-Kings” resonated with the audience, proving their ability to evolve with their music.
Once their mini set of Butter Miracle Suite One was done, the band dove back into their classics with “Rain king” and “Long December” that Duritz performed on the piano.
The concert reached new heights during the encore, where the bands collaborated for an unforgettable moment. After their first encore song “Time and Time Again,” Dashboard Confessional joined Counting Crows on stage for one of Dashboard’s songs “So Long, So Long,” which Duritz was featured in their original version. The two bands merged their talents seamlessly. The camaraderie was evident as they jammed together, exuding sheer joy during “Hangingaround.”
As the night drew to a close, the audience was treated to an emotional rendition of “Holiday in Spain,” a fitting conclusion to a spectacular evening. Duritz thanked the crowd for their presence, and said, “we pretty much gotta go!”
Counting Crows and Dashboard Confessional put on an amazing night of music which filled with heartfelt performances, engaging interactions, and a seamless blend of classic hits and fresh sounds. The bands’ passion and camaraderie were evident throughout, leaving the audience with lasting memories of a truly remarkable musical experience.