University of Virginia Library

The Band': Professionals All

By Steve Grimwood
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

It was Friday the thirteenth, but
whether this was a cause or whether
it was simply well managed, the
PK-German Dance society deserves
congratulations for a tremendous
concert which was nearly a complete
success.

Technically the show was superb.
It began at exactly eight
o'clock, a rare occurrence that must
have left some of the more
traditionally aware listeners still
struggling in the snow. The sound
system left nothing to be desired;
every word could be clearly heard;
from every seat in University Hall.
And The Band gave an unequalled
performance.

The Band is composed of five
infinitely versatile musicians in the
best sense of the word, in that they
write and perform their own music
in a very professional manner. On
stage they visually demonstrate the
closely knit sounds from their
albums. Levon Helm, one of the
best drummers around, manages to
maintain perfect time while alternatively
singing lead with two of
the other members. Garth Hudson
emerged from his pit behind the
organ for a saxophone solo, and his
organ lead in "Chest Fever" combined
the best of rock, Bach, and
blues, as notes stacked up on each
other in a strange medley.

The Band, as noted, are composed
of professionals who obviously
enjoy themselves and their
music. Called back for an encore,
they said "we see Virginia likes to
rock, and so do we," before
swinging into "Slippin and Slidin."
Other than a dedication song to
Virginia, that everyone expected,
no unsung words passed between
The Band and their audience. None
were needed, everything was vocalized
in their sound.

The audience was slightly different
from the usual crowd in that
it was augmented by good music
people from all over the East Coast.
Most t quietly and appreciated
the good sounds from the stage.
However, the vocal drunks were all
too obviously in attendance, yelling
out requests as if they were at a
high school dance. For everyone's
information, The Band didn't play
"Rag Momma Rag" because the
song requires violins, which are
nearly impossible to keep in tune
while on tour. Surely a distinction
can be drawn between an involvement
with a group and downright
discourtesy.

But once again, thanks go to the
PK-German Dance Societies for
bringing a fine group to the
University and presenting them in a
well run show. Their efforts did not
go unrewarded, as witnessed by the
massive crowd in attendance. Virginia
does appreciate good music,
and hopefully will see concerts of
such high caliber again.

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