It isn't often an artist or a band comes around that a parent enjoys as much as their kids, but Steven Page (of Barenaked ladies) is one. So when my son discovered he would be promoting The Vanity Project with an in store performance and signing at Borders in Ann Arbor, MI, it didn’t take much to convince me a road trip was in order.
We arrived from Toledo three hours before the scheduled show. About twenty die hard fans beat us and had been waiting since 2:30 (for a 7:30 show).
Knowing they would have a big crowd the store had arranged for a warm up act, Eric Himan. He is an artist who is creating quite a name for himself on the college charts.
He played four songs, three of them from his current CD Dark Horse. The fourth was a satirical gem he claimed to have just written days before, “Why do I fall in love with Bartenders”. I was impressed enough to buy Dark Horse and spend a few moments talking to him after the show.
Eric kept the mood high and whittled away those final moments of anticipation before Steven Page took the stage.
Not sure what to expect, we were thrilled to hear that Steven would be playing for about an hour (a selection of Barenaked Ladies songs he penned as well as those from The Vanity Project) before beginning to sign CDs for the guests.
By the time the show had started there were about 300 enthusiastic fans squeezed into the rather small area, making for an intimate yet excited crowd.
Taking the stage on time he began with “Wilted Rose” from the new solo album. A warm and poignant song, it set the mood and let the small crowd know just how special this event was going to be.
Page explained how The Vanity Project came to be. He talked about how he had a long time admiration for fellow songwriter Stephen Duffy and how the two began writing together.
Article comments
1 - DJRadiohead
I am so envious! I did a review of The Vanity Project last month (HERE).
I would love to have heard him perform these songs along with BNL songs in that kind of setting. So glad he included "In the Car." I think that song would have fit very well on TVP.
Glad you had a good time.
2 - Connie Phillips
My son and I both are huge fans, so we've had TVP since it was released. Like I said, when he found out about the performance it was pretty much a given that we were going.
(BTW I did catch your review at the time you posted it and thought it was great.)
It was incredible to see the songs done in such an intimate venue. A very enjoyable evening indeed.
3 - greg
Hey Connie- GREAT review/report....would love to use some of your pics....can you contact me to discuss? Thanks...
Greg@ Flagship Recordings
(Steven Page's record label) ;-)
4 - Connie Phillips
Gregg,
Thank you for the compliment. I emailed you my contact details.
Connie
5 - Jen
Great review!! It was a wonderful show last night :)
6 - Connie Phillips
Jen,
Agreed!!
Connie
7 - Tammy
I was at that same show. My sister and I drove up from Toledo, and were two of the twenty or so fans that you spoke of being there at 2:30 in the afternoon. We are both HUGE BNL fans, and were eagerly anticipating this CD being released, and the performances to follow. We were completely impressed by the entire set. I love the fact that he was so willing to meet the fans and take the time to chat with them. We had met BNL before, and due to time constraints, and the publicity director they had with them, we got very little time with them, and no phot opportunities at all. I totally agree with you though, this is music that parents and their children alike can enjoy, in fact, I am already grooming my 18 month old into a BNL/Steve Page fan...and I'm working on my baby to be!
8 - Connie Phillips
Tammy,
Wow! Small world! We're from Perrysburg actually. The kids and I are *still* talking about what a terrific show he put on and what an awesome evening. Thanks for sharing your views of it here.
Connie