2007-10-27 RA&TC Lakewood Civic Auditorium, Lakewood, OH [SBD Matrix] - Page 3

***shortcup*** · #41 03-24-2009

I realize that this is such an old post. Still, I cannot say enough how amazing this performance was. I've since seen Ryan & TC on 3 other occasions. I followed them from Lakewood to Pittsburgh in 2007. I then saw them in Alpharetta, GA for the infamous "apology" event of 2008, and just recently (2009) at the Florida Theatre in Jacksonville, FL.

By far, the Lakewood performance was the best yet. The audience was so great. Comparatively, they were angels. Pittsburgh's students were a bit rowdy, but all in all, no complaints other than the poor sound quality that venue is notorious for. Alpharetta had awful attendees, followed by an unfortunate illness. Sound was quite good, however. Alpharetta and Jax crowds have made me realize something about what contributes to a superb Cardinals performance: The audience needs to SIT DOWN! Seems like southern "folk," the deep southerners, would rather stand for the entire performance and shout over songs and chat throughout the entire thing. The swarming static of audience chatter really kills the whole thing. Lakewood, OH... incredible. Maybe a handful of rowdy wooing, but the most attentive audience I've seen so far. From now on, I'm buying tickets for shows further north. I would venture to say, and should probably check, but of the shows listed, I'd bet Lakewood ran the longest, regardless of song count. This isn't meant to be negative. Think about it though, if you want to hear the guys play, savor it and sit down, and appreciate the intimate venues they typically book. If you want to shout and chatter, bring money for the jukebox and hit up a bar.

Belated thanks for posting and recording this stellar performance.