The opening act "Hollows" leaves the stage as cheers float across the crowd as the realization hits... The real show is about to begin. The young teens scream and the sound is deafening. The hipsters clap politely in their matching glasses and nod to each other as if they understand something that no one else can possibly know. My roommate and I rush to the front and jam ourselves as close as we can, snapping pictures and joking with people as they squeeze in. Thousands sit behind us, confused how we managed to get past the barricade that is clearly marked with an entrance sign. And finally, when the tensions are at a boiling point, She (Zooey Deschanel of "Weeds" and "A Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy Fame") & Him (M. Ward) take the stage modestly as if no one is there.
The Millenium Park Amphitheater was packed to the brim. There was no seats available, and security was desperately trying to get people out of the aisles. We, along with many others, managed to reach the pit where it was crammed so tight, you could lift your feet off the ground. The backing band joins them and together they begin with the song "Black Hole". Finally the crowd snaps to attention and the mood gets low.
For a free show, this was by far the best free show I have ever seen. Deschanel has the pipes most people only dream of and M. Ward wails on his guitar like the best. Mixing up their set with covers like Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and Stevie Wonder's "I Put a Spell on You" was definitely the highlight of the show, but this by no means discredits their own compositions. Their new song "Thieves" which hasn't even hit the airwaves just yet, is something to listen for when it does on June 14th.
Unfortunately, once again, much of the crowd managed to stay obnoxious throughout the show. But at a free concert this is to be expected. The drunk preteens, confused crack and methamphetamine addicts roaming around without a clue as to what is happening, and the people who have no idea who they are seeing is a drag on the experience, but She & Him managed to keep things under control and I'm sure there are many converts waiting for the record stores to open, or just to get to a computer or iPhone and download it.
She & Him will be performing at Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee right before Tori Amos this weekend. Headlining acts include Dave Matthews Band, The National, and Kings of Leon. If you are going, be sure to stop by "This Tent" around five and catch this group.
