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Printer-Friendly ModeDashboard Confessional concert draws devoted fans
April 24, 2006 —
Dashboard Confessional performed to a crowd of approximately 2,800 Saturday night in the Ryder Center, a show that was not entirely acoustic. It certainly was not solo. But it was successful.
While the concert had been promoted as a solo acoustic performance by Dashboard's lead singer, Chris Carrabba, fans were surprised when Carrabba came on stage with a full band, stating, "I brought along my friends."
Fellow Dashboard member John Lefler was among those joining Carrabba on stage for the show. The remaining members of the official band, Mike Marsh and Scott Shoenbeck, did not make it to the show.
Playing on select songs was violinist Susan Sherouse, who also played with opening act John Ralston. Ralston came on stage at 8 p.m. and performed songs from his 2006 album Needle Bed.
According to Sherouse, "(Carrabba and Ralston) pretty much grew up together. They are very good friends." She has been on tour playing with Ralston for nearly a year and with Dashboard for about nine months.
The evening's show started with "The Sharp Hint of New Tears," from Dashboard's 2000 album The Swiss Army Romance. From the start, the crowd was into the music. Nearly everyone in attendance could be heard singing along during the drum-less, semi-acoustic set, especially during popular songs like "The Places You Have Come to Fear the Most" and "Screaming Infidelities."
Carrabba and company did not ignore any of the Dashboard albums as they played a fairly even amount of songs from all three releases. There was even a surprise cover song as Carrabba sang out Radiohead's "Fake Plastic Trees."
The band left the stage after playing "Don't Wait," a new song from its forthcoming album due in stores June 27. Moments later, it returned for the anticipated encore, which consisted of three songs, including the hit single "Vindicated" from the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack.
"Vindicated" was the first song to feature a full band sound - electric guitars, drums, and all. They closed the show with another popular single, "Hands Down," which was met with loud cheers and lots of singing.
The event was organized and run by the SVSU Program Board, which helped in the setup and removal of the bands' equipment. All over the Ryder Center during the concert, green shirts could be seen as Program Board members actively helped out in every possible way.
Merchandise - including tee shirts, sweatshirts, and posters - was available to purchase, and those in attendance could pick up John Ralston's CD for five dollars.
At the end of the night, Program Board president Ashley Talley called the concert a success.
"Despite slow ticket sales at first, we came through with another successful event," Talley said. "Students were excited and really enjoying the show."
This performance was one of many stops at colleges and universities for Dashboard Confessional. After the SVSU concert, the band headed to Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois for a show on Sunday. It finishes up its current tour in May, and plan to tour again this summer in support of the as yet untitled new album.
If the live preview of "Don't Wait" is any indication, the new album will be more of the same from Dashboard Confessional. This will certainly please fans, who all seem to find their own personal meanings in every Dashboard song.
"Our music gives people a certain feeling," Carrabba said between songs during the show.
While it is not clear what that feeling may be, judging from the crowd response at the concert, it is probably a good one.