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 Michael Franti |
 Serena Ryder |
 Michael Franti |
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Review and photos by Mary Andrews Serena Ryder walked up to the microphone with nothing in hand and no one to accompany her and sang a pitch perfect rendition of her song "Melancholy Blue." Her voice was so strong and convincing that the packed house was silenced. Next, she donned a statocaster guitar with her accompanying drummer (cocktail drum) and started a rousing "STOMPA"! This Canadian vocalist is often compared to Adele, which can help or a hinder a new artist. Yes, Serena has the vocal "chops' of Adele. She writes her own songs like Adele. But that is where the similarities end! Serena is very comfortable on stage. Whether she is singing acapella. rocking out or singing in front of a stadium, she was in her element! The 35-minute set ended with Serena singing acapella, inviting the audience to sing and capturing the hearts of this Tucson audience.Michael Franti had nothing to prove last night. He has played the Rialto Theatre many times. His audience was of many ages and backgrounds and they were all there to jump, rock, and feel good! He is a security nightmare because he not only reaches out 'to' the audience, he is 'in' the audience. He was milling around through the floor crowd and before we knew it, he was in the balcony giving hugs, posing for pictures and singing at the same time. He did not miss a note. Current band members include Michael Franti (vocals,guitar), Carl Young )bass, backing vocals), Manas Itiene (drums, backing vocals), Raleigh Neal (keyboards, backing vocals), and Jay Bowman (lead guitar). Jay shared the spotlight with Michael frequently with his rebel rousing guitar licks and monkey-like dexterity jumping over the barricades and into the crowd. |
| Thanks to Elliott for the set lists! | |
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Set list for Serena Ryder 1. Melancholy Blue 2. Stompa 3. Heavy Love 4. Call Me 5. Mary Go Round 6. It's No Mistake 7. What I Wouldn't Do 8. Sing Sing 9. Hey World 10. All People 11. Say Goodbye 12. Hey Hey Hey 13. Let It Go 14. I'm Alive 15. Say Hey |
Set List For Michael Franti 1. I Don't Wanna Go 2. Yes I Will 3. Yell Fire (short) 4. Sound of Sunshine 5. Closer To You 6. Long Ride Home 7. Life Is Better With You 8. Gangsta Girl |
 Serena Ryder |
 Michael Franti |
 Serena Ryder |
 Serena Ryder |
 Michael Franti |
 Michael Franti |
 Michael Franti |