October Project Concert(s) in Cincinnati

October Project Concert(s) in Cincinnati

April 5, 1996 (and October 1995)

I got to see October Project for the first time last October (how appropriate!), at Bogart's. I had never been to a concert where most of the crowd has to stand through the entire concert. I was warned about this ahead of time, there being very limited seating (tables) at the very back of the hall. I wore comfortable sandals ::grin:: It was an experience I will never forget: my BF and I were as close to the stage as we could get, although that included a barrier Bogart's had erected to prevent stage diving. Everyone was packed in, the energy was incredible, OP had the larger band... The sound was incredible, washing over and through us. The crowd got louder and more enthusiastic as the night went on. Mary was haunting-looking, mesmerizing, her rich voice just as strong after 3 encores as it was at the beginning of the concert. I eventually got a bit dizzy from all the energy (the people singing/shouting, the drums, the volume of the music), but it was worth it! I will never forget the feeling of waves of music washing over and through me! *That* was an evening to remember!

By contrast, the April 5th concert was tame (although, in its way, it was a good concert...). First, I was very happy to see, upon entering Bogart's, that the barrier had been removed from the front of the stage and that there were tables and *chairs*! I overheard someone saying that they had been put there at OP's request. Along with Bogart's staff taking orders for drinks, it gave the feel of the Boston Pops or somesuch . That made me hope for people being a little quieter (I actually lost hearing for hours afterward last time from people literally *screaming* last concert) and listening to lyrics. Alas, I think the table&chairs arrangement made for a more conversational atmosphere. Many people *did* talk through the entire concert. I gave dark looks when I could.

Another thing that was strange: I was prepared for the heat of the crush of people in Bogart's. Not only were we all seated apart from each other, it seems Bogart's left doors open somewhere backstage. It was downright chilly in the hall! I had dressed lightly and was a bit distracted by chills.

The band seemed tired to me, especially Mary. They just didn't seem to have the energy that they had when I saw them last October. I know it must be hard on them, another concert every night...So I accepted that at least I was getting to see them/hear them and have a romantic evening out with my BF.

I am almost 100% positive there were *three* encores (as there were last concert I saw). The last one was brought on by everyone stopping clapping and beginning stamping the wooden floor. It was spooky and wonderful! OP seemed genuinely surprised both last concert and this one for a 3d encore request/ demand . Everyone had to be hooked up to their sound equipment again. I don't remember the set list at all...But I do remember that the encore songs last concert were very high-energy ("Be My Hero" was one of them), compared to softer, sort-of blessing ones this time.

I think I was just spoiled by the incredible over-the-top concert of last October, so that their April concert here seemed somehow "less". But no matter what kind of concert OP would give, I would want to see them...and am very glad I did!

Going backwards, how I discovered OP: I was up really late one night, flipping around the TV dial. I saw an interesting band on a Public Access channel. It was OP, playing here in Cincinnati at an outdoor festival we have every year called "A Day at Eden" (park). I guess it was from earlier in 1995, I don't know. Anyway, *I* thought OP was a local band and I set about trying to find out about them. I did finally find their album and absolutely fell in love with it *and* them! I *love* good tight harmonies and interesting melodies. On top of that, the lyrics are intelligent and captivating. I was able to get a copy of "Falling Farther In" a few days before the October concert here, so that I could familiarize myself with these songs. The songs from the second album had to grow on me a bit more, but now I enjoy both albums equally .

I have to admit I dressed up for this concert. I knew I was going to something that was very special to *me* and I wanted to somehow let OP know (if they saw me...I *was* close to the stage) that people *care* enough to think their concerts special enough to dress up for .

--fleur