Balding men sat next to their mop-haired, college-aged sons at the Center for the Arts Mainstage Theatre Wednesday night, all anxiously waiting for the show to begin.
After what seemed like an eternity watching the roadies rearrange the various pieces of equipment on stage, the members of the Derek Trucks Band emerged through a haze of fog to the sound of "Crow Jane."
The theater was packed to the brim with enthusiastic concertgoers. The band received a standing ovation after only half an hour.
Junior Andrew Gutillo, a seasoned Trucks concertgoer, described the performance as "sick." He was thoroughly impressed not only with Trucks, but also with the rhythm and sincerity of the performance.
"Trucks is the best guitarist of our generation," he said.
Derek Trucks, who is only 26, played most of his songs in side profile while standing on a small rug placed in the center of the stage.
Trucks creates an impressive array of sounds with his guitar. Though Trucks remained stoic throughout the performance, the passion and emotion that poured from his fingers spoke for itself.
After the intermission, the first song embodied the stoner lifestyle, including lines like, "Well, there ain't nothing wrong with having a little taste." At the end of the song many "Amen's" could be heard from the audience.
Bassist Todd Smallie had a smile on his face the entire performance and his six-string bass really added to the show's momentum.
The crowd was also what helped make this show such a success. The overwhelming enthusiasm from both the audience and the stage filled the room for the entirety of the show.
The set ended with a song that included Trucks and Kofi Burbridge on keyboard and flute, both engaging in a musical duel. The finale brought on another standing ovation and an encore from the band.
Yonrico Scott (rhythm) returned to the stage wearing a black mask and carrying an umbrella that read "Husk and Sling." He requested everyone in the audience to stand up and dance, while he led the way in unexpectedly erratic dance moves on the stage.
With that the third standing ovation of the night was given.
"I just came to see Derek Trucks," said Andy Geier from Lockport, "and I am very satisfied."
"Amazing," said Jen Klei, a junior fine arts major. "It blows my mind someone so young can be playing such quality music."
