by Kate Langenburg

Created on: November 15, 2008

Hippies, a light show, and a jam banddelicious. Two weeks ago, moe. put on a very exciting show at the Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg.

The band played songs from their new album, entitled Sticks and Stones. While the music jammed out in typical moe. fashion, I couldn't help but notice that their sound had evolved. Their new songs showed a more commercial, "ready to please" attitude that I have never heard from them before. I have to admit, I do like their new sound, but when it comes to this band, I think I'll remain a die-hard advocate of their older music. (I was thrilled when they played "Happy Hour Hero.")

Those of you that are familiar with the popular jam band know that their fan base is growing as they become better known. This was evident that night, as the theater was sold out. Very rarely in all my visits to the Sherman Theater over the years have I ever seen the venue completely packed. At times, I felt that I couldn't move because there were so many people jammed in around me. However, the bigger the crowd, the bigger the appreciation for the music.

All around me, I sensed a feeling of happiness and understanding between concert-goers. Jam band shows are like nothing else. People in the audience become more of a family than just a crowd of fans. I could turn to the person next to me at any time during the show and start dancing with him. People don't judge you and certainly won't hassle you about anything. They just want you to enjoy the music as much as they do.

And the light show! Moe. is very well known for their intense light shows. Red, green, blue, and white lights bounced back and forth from the ceiling to the floor of the venue. Sometimes, the lights were so bright I couldn't even see the band. If I had to guess, I would say that there were probably around 20-30 large lights set up around the stage area.

Out of everything I took in around me, my favorite part of the show was the xylophone player's solos. First of all, a jam band with a xylophonist is a rare gem in the underground caverns of the music world. Jim Loughlin played with such ease and dexterity that I knew he was a master of his instrument. Secondly, the xylophone gives the band an added sound that you might think to be strange at first, but then grow to appreciate.

The twenty minute jams moe. comes out with on stage are only a small sampling of their abilities. I think they could jam out for hours if they wanted to. And when they jam, you dance. You can't help it. The music makes you want to wiggle your body to the rhythm throughout the whole show. If you ever get a chance to see this band, please do. Let yourself get lost in the music and dance.

Moe. has fifteen dates left on their Sticks and Stones Tour 2008. If you would like more information about the band or want to check out the tour, visit www.moe.org. You can also listen to some of their music on their website. Once you listen to one song, you'll be saying, "Gimme some moe!"

Learn more about this author, Kate Langenburg.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.