When the music is rocking, not even the most demanding bladder crisis will force you to lose your spot in the crowd.
Such was the case with bands Woke Up in Vegas and Bensin Tuesday night. But because of the rigidity of the televised event, audience members couldn't storm the perimeter of the stage and were discouraged from getting up during the show, even if nature called.
Crazy rock was in the air Tuesday night when local bands Woke Up in Vegas and Bensin were the second installation of the Music is Art series at the Center for the Arts.
After a few botches while setting up the broadcast, Woke Up in Vegas rocked a 45-minute set of ballads and powerful pop-rock songs. Lead singer Chris Nathan had an especially strong stage presence, simultaneously jumping, dancing and spouting his talented vocal skills. It seemed as if the confines of the stage didn't allow the space needed for Nathan's movement.
Their most popular song, "Tuesday Night," was a hit among the crowd of about 75. Many of the attendants were previous fans, as evidenced by the chorus of voices singing along.
After a brief intermission, Bensin took the stage. Despite a nervous start they pulled it together with an impressive set of power-pop and punk with tremendous stage energy. The band looked choreographed as the guitarists moved their instruments in unison with the drums.
Bensin resembled a combination of Linkin Park and Incubus, using an electric synthesizer that thickened their sound. Sometimes it seemed as if they were still in the experimental stage of creating music and were trying too hard to eke out a song.
The drums were incredible and the lead singer's guitar and singing were captivating. Bensin proved to be the more interesting band on Tuesday.
Tuesday night was not your typical rock show however. The CFA Atrium was divided into two sections. In the front, a brightly lit broadcast area contained small couches and large comfortable pillows also known as the "Cozy Zone." Because this show was taped, people who sat in this section were not allowed to move or get up. This made the bands and audience feel awkward, giving the performance an artificial aroma.
The back half of the Atrium was dark and had round tables and chairs. It was difficult to see the band because the sound and film crew was in the way.
The show was a hassle in itself. After each song, the audience had to clap through the end. It sounded forced because it surpassed the time when people would have normally stop clapping. The bands had to stay in place after each song as well.
The atmosphere was so uncomfortable it was as if the bands were caged animals desperate to break out.
"The small stage and constant cues almost make the band surreal," said Danielle Pietrocarlo, a senior communication major. "They weren't able to perform full-out."
The venue was cool and intimate in a visually appealing setting but it wasn't appropriate for loud rock at all. It was hard to tell if the bands enjoyed themselves.
All awkwardness aside, you can't beat a free concert with two talented bands.
The Music is Art series consists of a mix of various band performances as well as artists who perform their art simultaneously. The free event takes place every Tuesday in the CFA Atrium and is aired on television Sunday nights at 10:30 on UPN 23.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
