Bathed in the warm glow of a summer sunset, music aficionados descended upon the idyllic Vina Robles Amphitheatre on July 19th, eagerly anticipating the symphony of rock melodies from the acclaimed bands, Train and Better Than Ezra. As the evening sun washed the venue in hues of vibrant orange, the stage was primed for a transcendent fusion of music and fellowship.
Better Than Ezra, a titan of the alternative rock scene, ignited the celebrations with their fiery performance. Spearheaded by charismatic frontman, Kevin Griffin, the band had the audience enraptured from their first chord. The expert blend of iconic hits with a sprinkle of fresh tunes set the arena ablaze. Anthems such as "Good," "Desperately Wanting," and "Misunderstood" stirred waves of nostalgia, taking fans back to the heydays of the '90s alternative rock epoch. The band's captivating charm and synchronous musicianship had the amphitheater pulsating to their rhythm, while classic covers such as the Violent Femmes' “Blister in the Sun” added an enticing layer of familiarity.
As twilight fell on the amphitheatre, the electric atmosphere was charged further with the anticipation of the headline act, Train. A minor pause in the proceedings allowed for a visually spectacular prelude: a missile launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base on the coast. As the missile etched its way across the night canvas, it signaled the perfect overture to Train's mesmerizing performance.
Train, lauded for their soul-infused rock and pop repertoire, took command of the stage under the guidance of the vibrant Pat Monahan. His dulcet tones and dynamic presence resonated with the audience, forging an immediate bond. A vibrant medley of timeless classics such as "Drops of Jupiter" and "Hey, Soul Sister" alongside their recent chart-toppers, underscored the band's ability to straddle musical eras with ease. The band's intimate connection with their fans transcended the expansive audience size, providing a uniquely personal experience.
A highlight of the event was the unexpected onstage collaboration between Better Than Ezra's Kevin Griffin and Train, breathing life into a medley of each band's hits. The genuine camaraderie was a sight to behold, reflected in their seamless synergy. Later, the stage played host to an endearing father-son duet between Pat and his 11-year-old son Rock, performing “Save the Day,” followed by a vivacious rendition of The Eagles' “Hotel California."
The Vina Robles Amphitheatre, with its panoramic vineyard views and top-tier acoustics, offered the perfect backdrop for this memorable event. The amphitheater's open-air design paired with wine tasting sessions provided concert-goers with a truly immersive experience in the heart of Paso Robles wine country.
The impeccable sound engineering and state-of-the-art stage production augmented the bands' electrifying performances. The precise lighting, immersive visuals, and intricate effects heightened the concert's dynamism, holding the audience captive till the very end. The electrifying 2023 concert season at Vina Robles continues until November, promising more such unforgettable experiences. You can check out the upcoming shows at https://www.nederlanderconcerts.com/.
