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Annual concert a crowd pleaser for students

Natasha Irving

October 30, 2002

Fred LeBlanc, lead singer of Cowboy Mouth.

Last Friday, Cowboy Mouth and Better Than Ezra played at Loyola’s annual Loup Garou, sponsored by the University Programming Board. The night started out on a somewhat wet note and when the buses arrived at Tipitina’s, there was a bit of a wait outside.

After what seemed to be a long wait in the venue, but was probably only a matter of minutes, Cowboy Mouth inundated the stage. Cowboy Mouth proved to be a hell of a good band. Its members entered the stage with explosive energy; Fred LeBlanc wailing into the mic and on the drum set, Paul Sanchez and John Thomas Griffith raging on their guitars, and Rob Savoy tearing it up on bass.

The band’s rock’n’roll sound mixed with a neoteric energy, creating an energetic vibe that permeated every inch of the floor. The crowd was electrified and it seemed that everybody and his uncle was having a wicked time. Some of the students found fault with the duration of the band’s set, saying that they felt Better Than Ezra was the band that was really headlining. However, Cowboy Mouth put on a truly righteous show.

But all good things must come to an end, so Cowboy Mouth gracefully exited the stage, leaving the horde of auditorily intoxicated college students begging for more. After an incredibly tedious set change that seemed to take an eternity (was it really necessary to spend 20 minutes duct-taping down that oriental rug?) the stage was set. Better Than Ezra’s trademark drum-kit with the pretty little metallic butterfly sat facing the ever-anticipating crowd.

With Kevin Griffin on lead vocals and guitar, Cary Bonnecaze on drums, and Tom Drummond on bass, Better Than Ezra played a decent set to a most loving audience.

There were a couple of events that really marked the show. At one point Griffin asked for a member of the audience to get up on stage and play with them. The chosen person looked little intimidated at first but seemed to have a great time, and played the Rock-Star God role quite well.

Toward the end of the set, LeBlanc made another appearance singing with BTE, wearing a pretty sexy little number proving to me once again that he’s got tremendous presence and can liven up any stage. Better Than Ezra played a mix of old and new songs, and surprised the audience with a brand new track from their upcoming album. They definitely had a unique sound: a bit energetic and laid-back at the same time.

Both Cowboy Mouth and Better Than Ezra rocked the house, but I really have to hand it to Cowboy Mouth for stealing the show. Loup Garou was a good time, and I pity the fool who missed it. But don’t feel so bad if you did, because Loyola will present another Loup Garou next year.