BoDeans
2006.08.04 Riverfest • Watertown, WI

Sam Llanas, Kurt Neumann, Bukka Allen, Eric Holden, Noah Levy

Friday August 04, 2006
Riverfest - Watertown, WI
Opener: The Gufs (photos)

What an absolute treat to have this show pop up at the last minute. Being an avid Gufs fan as well, I had known about this festival for weeks and up until last Wednesday had been on the fence about whether or not I was able to go. Really wanted to, but didn't think I could make it in time from work. But on Wednesday when the BoDeans were added to the mix, there was no question in my mind.....I had to be there.

We made it to the grounds late in the afternoon and were glad to see open space up front. Soon after, The Gufs came on, they rocked...even without their lead guitarist. We got our beloved Stuck and were able head home Happliy Ever After because of it. :)

By the time the BoDeans came on, the crowd had really filled it. I was impressed at the turn out for a small local festival and because the BoDeans were added at such short notice. Have a feeling that much of the town comes out for Riverfest no matter who is playing, but they really seemed to love the BoDeans. Maybe it has something to do since they're practically a local band. Either way, the crowd sang along every chance they got and just had so much energy that you couldn't help but notice the effect it had on the guys. They seemed to be just loving life that night. Smiles and laughter all around, and just that look of pure enjoyment though the entire show.

Ok, on to the good stuff: The Setlist.....
1. Say About Love - Sam's addition midsong "....who really knows.....Numi knows" as Kurt went into his solo and that killer run or slide or whatever you call it that he does with his guitar. Those three seconds of that song are definitely my favorite.
2. Good Work w/Batman - you know it's a rocking good time when you forget to write the song down in your little red notebook! Spotlight on Bukka, the man sure knows how to work those keys! We sang the usual "Batman" part which Kurt started while still standing back by Bukka. It was just all way too much fun! After the wild and crazy applause died down after the song, Sam said "Must be Friday night or something!"
3. 617 - Sam dedicated it to Better than Ezra
4. Texas Ride Song - With the usual 'Let's go for a ride....when you see us jump, you jump, a'right!' introduction. 4 up front and jumping BoDivas, what more could anyone ask for? Well, maybe an unbelievable Eric solo in the middle of it all........yup...got that too!
5. Don't Be Lonely - Sam sans guitar, singing it like no other and Bukka's keyboard coming through loud and clear.
6. Idaho - Dancing Numi emerges as he makes his way toward center stage with the cutest sway in his step.
7. Angels - "Somebody call Amazon man!" :)
8. Still the Night w/Wanna Be Sedated - Kurt was trying to set the pace a little quicker and then rather than a gradual speed increase into Sedated, instead Noah just went right into it almost unexpectantly. Sure caught the guys by surprise, Kurt turned toward Noah and goes "whoa!" with a big smile on his face.
9.True Devotion - couldn't tell if I was hearing the crowd sing the counter melody or it if was just Kurt. But either way it sounded great!
10. Stay On - I have always loved the harmonies on this one, and Friday night was no exception! Was a bit slower than normal, not quite at the "let's bounce" pace that the girls and I are use to.
11. Makes U - Bellissimo!
12. Runaway - Kurt was muggin' for my camera, making faces and swaying side to side....sure made for a cute series of photos though! Sam closes out the song with a "No place like home!"
13. Fadeaway w/Bed's Too Big - Sam's acoustic sounded fantastic, Kurt singing Bed's Too Big is always a treat and to top it all off, some great shots of Kurt, Eric and Sam center stage jamming out.
14. Naked - Sam commented "Proud to be from this area" before introducing the song. *Somewhere* in the crowd there was a "Steel Dragon rocks!" comment as an answer to Sam's "what do ya say...." line. Right before our echos Kurt was shaking his head at us saying no with a sly grin on his face, but then let us sing the echo anyway. How could you not love a moment like that!
15. Closer to Free - oh so sweet 4 up front shots and a few joking three's thrown in throughout the crowd because we all know "It's FREE motherf***ers!"
---encore---
16. Paradise - Kurt had come out saying how just 2 days earlier they were asked 'do you want to come up here and play' "HELL YEAH!" As for the song, Bukka had once again joined Sam and Kurt on this one. Such a beautiful song, you don't even want to sing along, rather to just get lost in the music, voices and moment. And to top it all off, Kurt interjected the "And I'm falling for paradise...." a handful of times at the end.... love when he does that.
17. Wild World - Sam sang the "Breaking my heart right from the start....." line, we helped.
18. Feed The Fire w/Gimme Shelter, Slow Ride, Midnight Hour, Gloria - All those goodies thrown in ther...how could you not love it?
19. Good Things - and Kurt's inquiry as to "what are those for?!?" regarding spotlights that were below the stage. We later found out, and it was quite the spectacle.

What a great evening...great music, great friends, great weather. You really couldn't ask for anything else!