Strathmore Music Center: This is an absolutely phenomenal venue on every level. The short walk from the metro garage is through an above ground tunnel on the third floor featuring many different photos of past performers and other ads. Upon arrival you are greeted by super attentive staff who are strewn throughout the inside. A cafe (Allegro Kitchen) on the inside opens two hours before the show and has a decent amount of options and the food was much better than at other venues. The architecture is stunning and I often found myself wandering around to admire it. The seats were comfy and had plush cushions. Bathrooms and other fixtures are regal. The acoustics are incredible. It’s truly a swanky place and you’ll have one of the most
pleasant concert experiences here.
Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox brought its Back in Black and White tour to the Strathmore Music Center last night (November 5th). The show displayed so many different forms of entertainment, many of which are not often seen in performers today. The group, famous for covering modern pop hits in a vintage and jazzy style, were a perfect fit for the Strathmore. The show opened on a swinging version of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”. It truly showcased the pinnacle of what can be accomplished by the band; taking a classic and completely molding it into something fresh, yet it’s in a music style that’s from the 1920s/30s.
Next, a thrilling rendition of Guns and Roses’ “Sweet Child of Mine” with Miche Braden at the helm of vocals. I was familiar with this take on the song from their popular YouTube channel.
One of the interesting aspects of Postmodern Jukebox live is the change in vocalist every song. At times, other vocalists add backup harmonies to certain songs as well.
The band members are each highly proficient in the ragtime, jazz and big band styles, but they’re also exciting and fun to watch as each of them contribute to different comedy bits throughout the night. Tap dancers added a special flair to it all and were a delightful act I had never seen before.
The crowd is often engaged by host Casey Abrams who is energetic and lively as he keeps the show rolling on swiftly.
Other hits played and sung included The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven”, a rousing body positive singalong to Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” and a very strange mix up of “Africa” by Toto.
The show goes on for about 45 minutes before a 30 minute intermission and then another 45 minutes of performing (2 hour show in total). I left after the first act for a number of reasons, none of which were because I wasn’t enjoying the show; I can guarantee the rest of the concert was surely amusing, delightful and entertaining in every way.
So why did I leave?
-I won free tickets and really wanted to check out Strathmore (I want to have a dedicated page of venue reviews on the blog soon)-Monday night show (First weekday after the time change left me pretty tired and it’s an hour drive home)
-I’m seeing Tenacious D on Wednesday night so don’t want to be too worn out
Overall, Postmodern Jukebox is truly a live machine that is built to make the audience have a great time singing, laughing, and smiling all night long.
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