Attending a concert at Mississippi Nights is a completely different experience from attending a concert in a larger venue like UMB Bank Pavilion. First, fans need not worry about “getting their money’s worth” when they only paid $6 to begin with. This greatly contrasts with ticket prices of inconsistent performances of a Dave Matthews. At Mississippi Nights, the audience is literally an arm’s length away from the performers. At the Pavilion, it seems as if some audience members are a mile away from the performers.
Mississippi Nights is preferable over the Pavilion because of the visible exchange of enthusiasm between band and crowd and the emphasis placed on showmanship as opposed to regurgitating hit songs for the fans. Mississippi Nights is the ideal venue to see a band like Pomeroy, which, along with Anchondo and Disturbing the Peace, performed there Saturday night.
Opening act Anchondo, who put on a free show at SLU Saturday afternoon, delivered a surprisingly entertaining first set. Equally impressive was the talented Hector Anchondo, the band’s frontman. Disturbing the Peace, a St. Louis band, stumbled through a relatively bland second act that showed only glimmers of catchy tunes. By the time Pomeroy strolled on stage, an impressive crowd had assembled for the Kansas natives, and for good reason.
The energetic Funk/Hip-Hop quintet performed for nearly two hours, opening with fan favorite Roboflow. Inspired by the energy of all present, Pomeroy delivered the best performance I have seen in nearly a year. They covered “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” A Tribe Called Quest’s “Scenario” and even a Stevie Wonder tune.
Of course the fanatic staples like “My Paradise” and “Droppin” were well-received. A couple former members of the legendary St. Louis band The Urge even stopped by. Former drummer John Pessoni played the bongo drums on a song and former lead guitarist Jerry Jost contributed an incredible guitar solo.
Pomeroy also called up members of local favorites Core Project for a freestyle rapping session. Pomeroy’s entire set captivated and consumed the audience for the entire set. Pomeroy demonstrated perfectly its ability to appeal to to an entire audience, not just the fans. Some danced, some jumped and some stood in awe.
No matter what audience they perform for, Pomeroy has an innate ability to energize. It is safe to assume that no one went home dissatisfied.
