Show Review: The Swell Season 5/13

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre was chillaxing last night while listening to The Swell Season. Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of the film Once brought in a packed audience to the 2,750-seat venue. I sat with my bloody nose alllllll the way at the top balcony in the middle of the last row (but I was there, right?). People watching was a plus looking at audience members in jeans, sundresses and a case of the metros.

Hansard opened up the show with “Say It to Me Now,” belting it out like it will be his last breath of air. Members of his band The Frames and Irglova joined him playing various tunes from the film and new songs. The most enjoyable part of the concert was hearing Hansard go off on a tangent talking about the meaning behind what they’re about to play. What’s even greater is the tangents happened on almost every song. Their Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” was perfect. “When Your Mind’s Made Up” blew me away as it did when I heard it in the film. The random moment of the concert was toward the end where you hear “Pure Imagination” tied in to on of their songs complete with Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory quotes. They were the music makers and we became the dreamers of dreams - bravo!