By: Richie Frieman

It was the highlight of my summer – The Traveling Circus and Medicine Show arrived at the acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion and set up tent, featuring Michael Franti, Augustana and one of my favorites of all-time, The Counting Crows. And the ring master himself – Counting Crows front man Adam Duritz – was graciously welcomed home as one of Baltimore’s favorite sons as he peeked through the curtain to the loyal band of followers patiently waiting – this journalist included. Covering music for a while now, I’ve been lucky enough to attend many, many concerts. However, this time it was a little different – a little more personal. Now, I know the professional oath journalists take says we aren’t allowed to claim a “favorite” or make things personal, but once in a while, you have to let your guard down or at least lower the sword.

I first discovered the Counting Crows back in 1994 when I saw this wild character with long dreads, dancing around on the stage of Saturday Night Live singing “Mr. Jones”. I was hooked. The next day I begged my mom to drive to the local record store (anyone remember those places?) and bought a tape (how about? Remember them?) of “August and Everything After”, the Counting Crows debut record and the first album I ever purchased with my own money. It may sound cheesy but that collection started a new chapter in my life and helped me discover my love for music. With that said, I have to say there is something pretty amazing about watching one your favorite bands sing some of your favorite songs within an arm’s reach.

The flow and set up of the concert was nothing like your normal rock show; I mean, rarely – if ever – do the opening acts get this much attention. And I dare say, never does the main act, an hour before the show even starts when most people are still filing in, sit on the edge of the stage and play an acoustic set. Unheard of. So rare, that most people didn’t even believe it was Duritz and Immy perched on the edge of the stage at 7 o’clock! The commotion around me matched the crowds reaction, press folks saying “There is no way… can it really be them?”  And rightfully so, I mean, would Bono do this? Kanye? Anyone? 

One fantastic highlight of this surprise jam session was when drummer Jim Bogios used just his hands and a thick book entitled “The Good Girls Guide to Bad Girls Sex” as his “drum set”. I was laughing just thinking of him concocting this concept knowing some press person – insert me – would eagerly fall for it. Then like a vanishing act, the ring master and his lively flock headed back behind the curtain with another promise to be back again shortly. 

When the curtain finally came up this time, every act in the Traveling Circus was there, including special guest Emmy Rossum who showcased her own vocal skills. The three groups; Counting Crows, Michael Franti and Spearhead along with Augustana all took turns sharing their stage… the way it should be done. This wasn’t your typical show where the opening acts – who you should be listening to – get little to no crowd since they come on before you’re even in the ticket line.

Both Michael and Augustana had their chance to perform in front of the packed Merriweather Post Pavilion, then slowly giving way for Augustana to perform alone. Then one by one, the other members came back on, and then slowly drifted away for Michael Franti to take center stage. You didn’t even realize the transition; it just worked perfectly. Finally, the Counting Crows took the main stage and everyone…connected. And even though Duritz calls New York and California his home now, the Baltimore native gave several shout outs to Baltimore, including an emphasis on lyrics such as “I was born on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay” and “Baltimore! I –Am – Home!”

This concert was one of the purest forms of musicianship I have ever seen… period. It was great to see the “opening acts” (a term I despise) get their fair share of the spotlight and refreshing to witness the headliner remain on stage with them to perform. This wasn’t mandatory – it is a Counting Crows tour after all, but this was a combined effort that fans won’t soon forget – the way it should be.