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• Pygmalion Music Festival: Night Two

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Krannert Art Museum and Kinkead Pavilion »
Address: 500 E. Peabody Drive Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 333-1861
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Canopy Club »
Address: 708 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 367-3140
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• Pygmalion Music Festival: Night One

On Thursday evening, I sought out solo, acoustic performances at the Krannert Art Museum and an evening ending touch of country-punk at the Canopy Club,

My Brightest Diamond - I would argue that Shara Worden, otherwise known as My Brightest Diamond, is a born entertainer, captivating the audience with not only her uniquely beautiful voice, but also a warm spirit that radiated between numbers. My Brightest Diamond is an act that has largely been neglected in my iTunes playlist, but after an entrancing set at the Krannert Art Museum, I found myself adding the lush, ethereal music to my regular “evening” playlist, letting the music sooth me to a relaxing sleep.

William Fitzsimmons - Dear Mr. Fitzsimmons, Your set left me confused. Best, Amanda

In all sincerity, however, I had a hard time taking the amount of self-deprecation Fitzsimmons spewed after mentioning pills, his divorce (multiple times), and how much of a bad person he was. With such a light, sweet vocal style, I only wish that he could ease up on himself a bit. I wouldn’t have noticed the overwhelmingly depressing theme of his songs had he not mentioned it more than once, and frankly I think I would have enjoyed it more that way. Though I genuinely enjoyed the music, the fact that I wanted to just give the guy a hug afterwards isn’t the type of experience I am usually looking for at a concert.

Bob Nanna - By far my most anticipated act of the weekend, the former University student and vocalist in countless influential bands from Friction and Braid, to Hey Mercedes and solo work as The City On Film, Bob Nanna certainly fulfilled my expectations despite the significantly dwindling crowd. With a loyal twenty or so attendees standing by, Nanna covered a variety of his career, including taking a request for an acoustic version of Braid’s “A Dozen Roses.” While I somehow imagined the evening would be larger — more people, more sing-a-long opportunity, Nanna playing the entirety of Frame And Canvas (I wish) — I was more disappointed for the mass of people who missed out on such an influential CU presence.

Maserati - After leaving the Krannert Art Museum, I arrived at the Canopy Club just in time to catch the latter portion of Maserati's set, a math-y, post-rock jam session that left the audience amplified and steadily bobbing along. Maserati are visibly skilled musicians, creating a raw intensity that is seemingly never ending and literally without pause. While I honestly can't tell you how many songs I was able to catch because of the seemless transitions, I am entirely pleased I made it to the Canopy in time to catch even just five minutes of the set.

Lucero - Lucero brought out the most interesting crowd, in a combination that could only be described as straight-up Southern gentlemen decked in cowboy boots and hats, and a group of punkers that wouldn't be out a place at a Hot Water Music show. A testament to the style of music Lucero has perfected, the group pummeled through a number of "drinking songs" including one of my favorite moments of the festival thus far, an inviting cover of Jawbreaker's "Kiss The Bottle." I can definitely attest to feeding off of the crowd, with a devoted sector of fans drawing everyone around into having as a good of a time as possible with them. Though the band didn't play a single song I was anticipating (except the "Kiss The Bottle" cover, I only dreamed they would take that on), I was more than pleased with the results and could have gladly listened to Ben Nichols raspy crooning all evening long.