Denison Witmer, Copeland: Concert Review
Denison Witmer, Rainer Maria, and Copeland came to Austin’s own Stubb’s BBQ for a night of energetic rock last Tuesday (June 7). While Stubb’s has hosted plenty of big name rock bills on its outdoor stage, they also have a small indoor stage where shows of less than 1,000 people take place. The small room packs easily, which can be annoying for anyone wanting to negotiate the stairs that let out right in front of the stage. It got me to looking around for an emergency exit just in case the unthinkable emergency a la Great White happened. After deciding that I’d hoist my wife up to the windows above me for a breakout climb to freedom, I then relaxed and enjoyed the melodic tunes of Denison Witmer. With nothing to hide behind but an acoustic guitar, this soft spoken artist poured his heart out to a mildly attentive audience. There was enthusiasm, but his obligatory comments about Copeland’s upcoming set usually got a warmer response than the rounds of applause after each song. Nevertheless, he captured much attention with songs from his 2003 Recovered, 2004’s The River Bends, and his upcoming (7/26) Are You A Dreamer? albums. While it would have been appropriate for people to cry or lean forward to take in these well-crafted words, his light-hearted banter and soothing voice kept it a cheery and social event. “I don’t write songs about girls anymore,” he joked with a smile. “I’m so beyond that.” He was able to cram in a good number of songs before his 35-minute set was over.
Rainer Maria took the stage next with a spirited set of punk-infused romps that would make both a Sleater Kitty or even PJ Harvey fan proud. I have to say that my wife and I took most of their set time to get some fresh air outside and converse with Mr. Witmer.
Copeland came on about 9:45 and proceeded to fill the air with singable choruses (like In Motion’s “Don’t Slow Down” and “Pin Your Wings”). This is simply a great bunch of songs on four sets of legs. Live gets you about as slick and sweet as their expertly produced albums would have you expect. The heavier songs mostly all weighed in near the end, with “No One Really Wins“ and “Walking Downtown” (from Beneath Medicine Tree) and the mellower “California“ closing out the 45-minute set.
For those that came over to Stubb’s after the early show at Emo’s (with Mae) were treated to a fantastic night of club-hopping music.
Photos and review by Doug Van Pelt
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