Lucky were the people present at the Loft Friday night. Craig Owens’ solo tour, featuring VersaEmerge, Noris and The Color Fred, ended with a surprising twist. The night progressed from a heavy local band, and continually became calmer, until the night ended with every person in the crowd seated on the concrete floor.
Noris, self-described as hardcore/Christian/screamo, started the night off with immense energy. They are frequenters of the Loft and have their local following, who were definitely getting into the band’s heavy instrumentals and lead vocalist Kyle Grange’s guttural screams which were sharply (but nicely) contrasted by vocalist and bassist Zak Winzenried’s high, clear voice. Noris knows how to have fun on stage; Winzenried went shirtless only three songs into their set, and was the only band to elicit dancing, even if only by four people.
Noris got the crowd ready for VersaEmerge, a band out of south Florida. Playing songs from their new self-titled EP, vocalist Sierra Kusterbeck’s pretty, haunting vocals punctuated the bands slightly heavy feel, making for a unique sound. Although the band was not well known to the crowd on Friday, Kusterbeck had no problem connecting with them, cracking jokes about Wisconsin and promising to come back. VersaEmerge transitioned the night nicely for The Color Fred.
Fred Mascherino, former guitarist and backing vocalist of Taking Back Sunday, was on the tour solo, playing an acoustic set because of his upcoming acoustic EP Intervention. Before his set, Mascherino could be found at his own merch table, conversing with fans and selling his merchandise. Mascherino’s talent as a musician and vocalist were highlighted as soon as he started playing. Having no full band, the crowd was able to hear the rough edge to his voice and see the emotion pouring from him. He didn’t waste much time in between songs, but took requests such as “Minnesota,” saying he hadn’t played it acoustically before, but was going to give it a try. Mascherino conversed easily with the crowd, and his fans in the audience sang proudly along with his songs. Everyone mellowed out, patiently anticipating the headliner.
While waiting for Owens to come onto the stage, one of his friends came out and announced to the crowd that things would be a bit different tonight. And here’s the twist: Owens wanted to do this particular show unplugged, something he hadn’t tried yet on the tour. Fans were excited, but a little apprehensive. Sitting on the edge of the stage with his two friends Nick and Brian, he told the crowd it felt weird to have a full band on stage and just kind of walk off when it was over. He wanted it to feel “like a fucking campfire or something,” and eventually, that is what was accomplished.
After the first song, Owens asked if everyone could see. Getting a collective “no” he suggested that everyone sit down. This is something almost unheard of, and the crowd really came together, everyone making room for each other, and cooperated with Owens’ request for quiet. Playing songs like “Baby You Wouldn’t Last a Minute on the Creek,” and “Intensity in Ten Cities,” by Chiodos, a couple songs from his newest endeavor Cinematic Sunrise such as “Umbrellas and Elephants,” and even covers of Bright Eyes and the Backstreet Boys, Owens’ beautiful, melodious voice rang out over the near silent crowd. It was so relaxed and informal, unlike anything anyone in the room had ever seen or heard before at a concert. It was surreal. Playing for about an hour, Owens told back-stories for a few songs and even played a yet untitled song he wrote for his girlfriend while he was away for a month. He wasn’t sure why he chose to play this song but said, “You have to sing about what you’re passionate about, no matter how literal.”
The night contained four very different performances, but the whole package was perfect. The Loft is a great place to catch a show; the small venue allows for so much performer-audience interaction, and this was what Friday was all about. This night was different than most, but Owens’ accomplished his goal of intimacy and created a completely unforgettable show.
