Counting Crows: Hangin' Around the Midway Stadium

Written by Emily Kessel

It was night just like any other, full of diehard fans awaiting the evening’s entertainment. Blankets sprawled across the field, sun beating on their faces, but no homerun. On Saturday, September 1st music fans spent the night hangin’ around the Midway Stadium, but instead of cheering on the Saint Paul Saints, they were calling for Collective Soul and the Counting Crows.

Following their opening act, the Counting Crows took the stage. The performance began with “When I Dream of Michaelangelo,” a song from their new album, Saturday Nights, Sunday Mornings, which will be released on November 6th. Swirling lights overlapped the mellow illumination on the stage. Adam Duritz had a calm stage presence, which was complimented by the setting of the sun. His expressions and overall charisma were emotional as he sang about missing the little things like saying goodnight to his girlfriend, home, and other topics that any fan could relate to.

Many songs were introduced to me for the first time. The lyrics and melody of “Hanging Tree” stayed with me throughout the night. Only a few songs from the Greatest Hits album were played, which allowed fans to learn about new or less frequently played songs. Even the familiar songs had an unfamiliar twist. For instance, a long instrumental introduction led up to the well-known song “Long December,” which became recognizable only when the memorable chorus reached the audience’s ears.Various requests were shouted from the crowd as the band continued its unpredictable performance. Their calls were answered when lyrics from the popular song “Hangin’ Around” began to vibrate from the stage.

Adam ended the evening with a heartfelt, but political speech about doing our best to help those around us and supporting our country. The initial message was to support local groups such as Open Arms of Minnesota and utilize our right to vote. The Counting Crows then finished the evening with “Holiday In Spain” and left the crowd with passion and their closing message.Although only a short distance away from the craziness of the State Fair, the Counting Crows created an atmosphere that was all of their own.