The Corrs

Sophie B. Hawkins got the show started with a set of bright pop and bluesy jazz. Strange combo but she manages to pull it off. Her voice and stage presence remind me of Sheryl Crow. This may be why Sophie is not as well known. She utilized a two man band to accent her songs. Stripped down and a bit raw her songs and style slowly grew on the crowd until her final tail shakin' and rock stomping brought the crowd to their feet.

After a short intermission the lights dimmed and the Irish cuties of the Corrs came out. I can't tell you any of their names and I only know a few songs by title but I still just love them. A guilty pleasure perhaps? For many the Corrs are just a pop band with really cute sisters. OK, what's wrong with that? We all need a little bubble-gum once and while.

Even with one of the sisters missing (she's pregnant) the show still rocked. A simple stage with a simple light show kept the focus where it belonged, on the babes. The sound system was crystal clear and loud, the way I like it. I must admit that I also own a number of the CDs so while I couldn't name the titles I still recognized most of the material. The evening also brought some surprises before the show.

Most of you already know that I usher many of the shows I write about. For those who don't, it works like this: I call a phone number that lists the upcoming concerts that have usher openings, I select a show or shows then leave my name and number, the final step is to show up at the concert and work a few hours. Usually we are cut shortly after the headliner takes the stage. Basically you work for your ticket. It's a nice little secret that has been around for years. It's all changed now.

Clear Channel has purchased most of the concert venues in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay area. I will withhold comment since technically I am also an employee. Yup, no more volunteer ushering. If you work you get paid. But it also means less ushers and no more of the plus 1. Plus 1 used to allow a volunteer usher to bring an unnamed guest to the show (they had to work but it really isn't that hard). In a way it's an end to era. What used to be a loose club of music lovers has now become another cog in a jumbo corporation. Oh well, at least I can still enjoy a good number of shows each year for no cost, oh wait I will now pocket a tidy $30 for each show I work. Hmmm? You know I would rather work them for free and be able to share the experience with my friends. Anywho the sultry voices of the Corrs softened the news and I guess that's the message. The right music at the right time can help. Sing it with me "A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down..."