Light Street Grooves CUAs HoCo 2002

“Once in a lifetime” was how sophomore guitarist Matt Bilenki described Light Street Groove’s opening gig for the Pat McGee Band last Saturday. The concert capped off what was a week-long series of events and celebrations commemerating CUA’s homecoming.

The band, through Sophomore Class President Ryan Robichaux, Kevin Maloney, and the program board, was given this opportunity quite by accident. “We’ve only been together since July,” said sophomore Chris Wojtal, rhythm guitarist for LSG. “One night we were just playing at the Ratt and Ryan came up to us and told us about this possible upcoming gig with Pat McGee.”

“I was speechless,’” added sophomore bassist Eric Gannon. To add to the pressure, the official notification and invitation to play came only several weeks prior to the show. Additionally, the band’s biggest show prior to last weekend was at the CV Cruise.

The band worked hard to fill their allotted time with what sophomore vocalist Steve Shane called “stuff to get the crowd going.” “[Pat McGee’s representatives] told us they didn’t want a cover band. So we had to come up with a mostly original 45-minute program.”

Prior to the show, the band was very reticent to disclose any facts about what they would be playing. “Let’s just say you’ll be entertained,” was all that Shane and LSG would say regarding their plans. Needless to say, the CUA crowd was anxious to hear what the latest campus craze had to offer.

As hundreds of fans shivered on the mall, Light Street took the stage at 7:56 pm. As the band took the stage, the fans roared in appreciation and eagerness for the week’s most anticipated event to commence. The weather was harsh, but the fans were undoubtedly excited. When asked if the cold affected the band adversely, Shane said “It was about as cold up here as it was down there… though the space heaters did help a little.”

The band hit the ground running as they opened with their original “Day By the River.” No sooner had the first chord sounded then the CUA crowd erupted for their own. As Shane mixed vocal stylings with improv dance moves, the fans knew Light Street Grove had come to play.

Light Street concluded their set at 8:49. Immediately upon exiting the stage, Bilenki told The Tower that playing such a venue was “definitely the coolest experience of my life.” The boys of the Groove concurred, and each member agreed that they were even more excited following their set than they had been prior to the show. “Unreal,” was Wodjtal’s initial reaction.

“You can’t describe it,” added Gannon. “To have [the crowd] screaming and singing our songs… [was] nothing short of incredible.”

By the time Pat McGee took the stage at 9:27, fans were riled into a frenzy. Both crowd surfing and fence-hopping were seen throughout Light Street Groove and the Pat McGee Band. PMB played for a solid 2 hours that featured all of the major Shine hits, some older McGee material, as well as one unreleased track which is expected out sometime next summer.

Following the show, members of the Pat McGee Band signed autographs and took pictures with CUA fans. Additionally, the Pat McGee Band gave Light Street Groove an exclusive tour of the official PMB tourbus.

Bilenki described the night as “a dream come true.” Following last Saturday’s show, LSG has obtained a live CD copy of the concert via the show’s production crew. More information on obtaining a copy of the CD can be found through contacting any of the band members. Also following last Saturday’s success, the Groove has been in touch with PMB drummer Chris Williams as well as several local venues who have expressed interest in hosting the band. What does the future hold for Light Street Groove? Perhaps as Gannon stated following LSG’s set, “the best is yet to come.”

For more information on the setlists, the bands, and the show, check out www.lightstreetgroove.com and www.patmcgeeeband.com.