An evening serenaded by Secada

If the typical college student were asked what they knew of Grammy Award-winning artist Jon Secada, most would, at best, be able to recall the light radio favorite "Just Another Day" from the early '90s.

That could account for the dismal advertising on campus and primarily middle-aged audience at Secada's concert-"An Evening with the Stars"-at the Center for the Arts Saturday night.

Although the lax setting of the show created a pleasant ambiance to the Mainstage Theater at the CFA, it lacked a certain je ne sais quoi that would create true entertainment. Only time-tested fans could have really appreciated Secada's performance.

The stage was adorned with only a stool for Secada, a guitar player, a pianist and a few speakers. Four long drapes hanging from the ceiling accented with colorful lighting completed the simple set design.

For a Jon Secada fan, the show was a great opportunity to enjoy Secada up-close- and-personal. In addition, the audience got to experience the artist's lyrical ability and raw talent on nearly every song.

Secada spent a considerable amount of his 90-minute set introducing each song, as well as chronicling how each work fit into his nearly 15-year career.

As a recording artist, Secada has won two Grammy's and sold more than 20 million records worldwide. Beyond his success as a performer, he has also had tremendous achievements as a writer and producer for artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin.

Secada's stage presence was energetic, contrasting with his normally relaxed tunes. As Secada sang, he often appeared to be having difficulty relaxing or even staying seated. Whether it can be attributed to his Latin dance roots or his experience as a pop-music performer, his arms and legs were swinging and his hips were moving nearly throughout ever song.

Secada closed the show with his most popular and well-known single to date, "Just Another Day," which he said was his favorite of the songs he's written.

Although "Just Another Day" may remain the only remembrance of Jon Secada for most UB students, fans enjoyed just another stellar performance from one of their favorite stars.