Xavier Rudd | The Rapids Theatre | 5.14.2011
End Galleria
NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Ever since I first saw Xavier Rudd on a live webcast of Bonnaroo in 2007 I’ve been hoping he would book a show upstate NY. It took 4 years but that time finally came. Back in February when the 2011 spring tour was announced I was stoked to see the band playing just a short drive down the road at the newly remodeled Rapids Theatre on Main street in the heart of Niagara Falls, NY.
2 Xavier Rudd – 04 – Energy Song
The Australian multi-instrumentalist is currently on tour in support of his latest Album Koonyum Sun. The spring tour consist of 20 shows in a mind boggling 24 nights all across the U.S. On this night Xavier was on the 2nd night of 3 night run that saw him play 9:30 club in DC on Friday night before heading out to CT for Sunday nights show.
Xavier Rudd - Rapids Theatre Niagara Falls, NY
The Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls was originally built in 1921 as a movie house. After being closed for several years it re-opened in 2009 with $2 million in grants and private funding. The result is a complete restoration of the entire venue to it’s original decor from 1921. The layout of the stage & bar are well conceived with great lines to the stage. The sound was clear and loud with incredibly great acoustics and chest pounding bass as Xavier reverberated the woofers with his didgeridoo.
As a performer Xavier exceeded my already high expectations by delivering a 2 hour all out dance party. His lyrics, hard hitting beats, & genuine style captured the crowd who responded with frenzied appreciation.
The crowd was rowdy and featured an ample supply of Canadians and Americans with over grown beards & dreadlocks. As the evening unfolded we saw several people get tossed for smoking and a handful of girls wipe out on slick spots due to spilt beer. I think this crowd was more indicative of Niagara Falls than of a typical Xavier Rudd’s show.
The setlist was more than we could ask for. It featured many of the songs that have made Xavier Rudd a world renowned touring legend including Fortune Teller, Let Me Be, and a cover of Bob Marley’s No Woman No Cry.
Xavier Rudd is in the USA for a few more weeks. If you live on the east coast you still have a chance to see him as he stops in CT, NC, TN, SC, AL, and New Orleans before heading west to close out the tour with two stops in Texas.
Set List: Fortune Teller > Food > Chant > Love Comes & Goes > GBA > Messages > Land Rights > Better People > Message Stick > 12 Ting Ting > Let Me Be
Encore: The Letter > No Woman No Cry > Footprint > Whirlpool
http://xavierrudd.com :: Xavier Rudd 2011 Spring Tour Dates
