August 14 in Canandaigua, N.Y.
The Barenaked Ladies had one hell of a 2009: between Ed Robertson’s plane crash and a slew of controversy surrounding lead singer Steven Page, many fans had doubts about the future viability of this Canadian group.
Page’s arrest for possession of cocaine and then capstone departure from the band may have raised some eyebrows, but the Barenaked Ladies’s Aug. 14 “All in Good Time” Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center concert, however, replenished fan faith in the rejuvenated foursome.
With a set list that covered songs from all 10 albums and spanned 18 years – including its children’s album Snacktime! – the absence of Page took nothing away from The BNL’s performance.
In some respects Page’s departure actually benefited the band. Each of the four members took a turn as lead singer throughout the concert, switching roles and instruments as frequently as they switched songs. The most memorable moment arrived during the encore when drummer Tyler Stewart premiered his lead singing skills during “Alcohol,” complete with drunken antics during instrumental breaks.
The band pleased fans of all levels by mixing in old favorites such as its opening song “Who Needs Sleep?” with radio classics like “Pinch Me” and “If I Had $1,000,000.” Pianist Kevin Hearn easily became a crowd favorite, taking over the majority of Page’s vocal duties.
But the best part of a BNL concert is, surprisingly, not the songs; it is the performance itself in between the sets that captivates an audience of all ages. From Robertson’s improvised “Finger Lakes Rap” to spontaneous a capella renditions of old favorites, the group effortlessly maintained the crowd’s attention and approval.
Staying true to its tradition of putting on hilarious, light-hearted shows, just before the encore the foursome performed a mix – complete with a booty-shaking dance – of their favorite pop songs ranging from “California Gurls” to “I Gotta Feeling.”
Setting themselves apart from most musical groups, the Barenaked Ladies is always sure to perform and not simply sing during concerts. Despite the dramatic changes of the past year, it is this level of pure entertainment that has naturally kept fans eagerly by the band’s side and pushed the foursome to continue presenting the wide range of musical styles for which it is known.