Stroke 9

Stroke 9 played to a sold out crowd at the Theater of Living Arts (TLA) in Philadelphia.

Performers:  Stroke 9, SR-71, and Splender

Where: Theater of Living Arts

When: Wednesday, August 2nd, 2000    8:00 PM

     The concert was filled with shouting, dancing, and 800 fans who wanted the night to never end.  Each group knew exactly how to keep the crowd going  throughout the sold-out show.  SR-71, a homegrown band from Baltimore, kicked off the show at 8 pm with songs off their new album Now You See Inside.  Even though they arrived just an hour before show time, they were able to put together a fantastic performance which included their hit single "Right Now."  The crowd, eager to participate, shouted out enthusiastically to the bands cajoling.  As lead singer Mitch Allan says, "We pour our hearts out on stage: we're serious, we're funny.  Hell, we run the gamut of human emotions."  Be sure to listen up for their next single "Last Man On The Moon".  
     Next, Splender, which includes Jonathan Svec, Marc Slutsky, Waymon Boone, and James Cruz gave a vibrantly spirited performance.  Boone, lead vocals for Splender, states, "That single moment of truth has to be there, when the emotions and the performance mix perfectly.  That emotion has to be there."  That emotion was evident, as Splender's every song  had the crowd animated and  energized.  When the group sang their hit single "Yeah Whatever" the audience was exhilarated.  Be sure to check out their album Halfway Down the Sky, in stores now. 
     Finally, Luke Esterkyn, John McDermott, Greg Gueldner, and Eric Stock of Stroke 9 had their chance to perform.  As they stepped onto the stage, the crowd's enthusiasm intensified..  They performed almost every song on their incredible album Nasty Little Thoughts.  Some of the crowd's favorites included "City Life", "Letters", and the group's new single "Washin' + Wonderin'. "  Each power-packed song had the audience in a pleasurable frenzy.  During "Little Black Backpack," the crowd went frantic as Esterkyn turned the mike over to the crowd and let it sing along. The intensity level kicked into overload when the lead singer slowly lowered himself down into the crowd.  Stroke 9 then played their favorite cover song, "Jonas" by Weezer.  Though just recently added to their set , the song has become an instant hit.  The encore song, "Angels" left the crowd begging for more.  For a complete set list click here.  Start to finish, Stroke 9 puts on a amazing live show. -Kate Wojtowicz and Todd Wojtowicz

Click on the artist to see photos from this concert:

Splender      SR-71     Stroke 9

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