Anthology

The March 6 performance by Gene Perry’s 10-piece orchestra was exactly the type of show I was looking forward to when I first learned about Anthology.

Yes, it’s great to see big national acts in an intimate setting, but there is something just as satisfying seeing an up-and-coming salsa band cooking on all cylinders.

Even better for me was running into a lot of old friends I hadn’t seen for a while, such as the lead singer, Quino, who is more familiar to reggae fans for his work in Big Mountain.

In fact, my friend ran into pals he hadn’t seen since high school and it seemed like everyone knew everyone.

What a blast! I’m kicking it with some members of the Voz Alta Project, a local artist collective, on the third floor lounge while enjoying some great music and a very tasty glass of Pinot Noir (mmmmm, velvety. Just the way I like it).

Amazingly, the music sounded good every place. An old friend of mine taught me a trick: If you want to know if a band is good, listen to how they sound when you’re in the restroom.

Trust me, Gene Perry’s Orchestra sounds great there (however, I think they’d prefer to remain on the stage).

It was a chilly night out on the outside lounge, but the heat of the dancers two floors below managed to rise up and toast my tootsies.

Looking forward to more shows, especially when my wife and I can get a babysitter. Anthology is a lot more fun for date nights than going to see a chick flick at the mall.

– David