Trevor Hall played Old Main on Wednesday, March 16. (CU Independent/Maranda Bodas)
With bare feet stomping and dreadlocks flying, Trevor Hall is able to captivate even the most reluctant of audience members.
Wednesday night, Trevor Hall and local favorite, The Dream Doctors, took the stage of Old Main. With an eclectic mix of reggae-infused acoustic rock and soulful lyrics it was hard to stand still for too long.
As an opening act, The Dream Doctors displayed true musical talent. While many of their songs relied heavily on the classic reggae vibe, the band was able to infuse each song with their own style.
From a jazz inspired number highlighting their saxophonist, to a funk medley full of keyboard solos and guitar riffs, the band got a few die-hard fans out of their seats.
The music itself didn’t inspire the whole crowd, but the band’s enthusiasm on stage and ability to blend various styles and instruments, (including a flute and an obo) made for a pretty lively opening act.
As students filed in during the intermission, it became clear that the seating in Old Main would become obsolete and standing room would take precedence.
After a reasonable intermission, and only mild agitation from the crowd, Trevor Hall took the stage with an air of comfort and humility.
Right when he started playing the opening chords for “Origami Crane,” a hit from his self-titled debut album, the audience was hooked as they rushed the stage in a frenzy. Hall couldn’t have made a better choice for an opening song, as the audience sang along and the band played off of their energy. It became clear from the start that the show would be worth more than the modest $10 cover.
Between sets Hall seamlessly interacted with the audience. One of his first shows since his vacation, he asked the crowd to bear with him as he readjusted to life on stage.
From the upbeat choruses of well-known tracks such as “Unity” and “Volume,” Hall appeared to be anything but rusty. With a passion and energy that emanated throughout the small venue, it was clear that Hall’s music reached every corner of the sold-out show.
As the show continued, the band performed a few tracks off of the upcoming album including a concert favorite, “Te Amo.” This love song subdued the audience as every person stood with their eyes glued on the lone guitarist during his solo-acoustic set.
Towards the end of the show Hall made sure to pay tribute to the song that started his career, “Lime Tree.” After a roar of applause the entire audience chimed in and sang along to the classic.
Keeping with concert tradition, Hall left the audience in anticipation of an encore, which he thoroughly obliged after a few minutes of ecstatic chanting.
The encore kept with the show’s energy, even when the band struggled through the lyrics of “Beautiful Lunatic.” With a short tribute to Bob Marley’s “Waiting in Vain” and the return of an old favorite, “Internal Heights,” the show’s closing act left audience members dancing out of the theater. Hall signed autographs and tirelessly posed for photos after the show.
To learn more about Trevor Hall check out the CU Independent’s recent interview with the musician.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Maranda Bodas at Maranda.bodas@colorado.edu.
