Joshua Radin @ Manning Bar, Sydney – 22 October 2009

On Thursday night I headed out to the Manning Bar to catch American singer-songwriter Joshua Radin. It was a show I approached with a strange mix of joy and trepidation.

I fell for this gorgeous guitar boy somewhere around the time he performed at Ellen DeGeneres’ wedding to Portia de Rossi. He appeared on the talk show queen’s program and it was instant. I was sucked into his beautiful words and mellow guitar strumming. I ordered his first album, and pre-ordered the second which was yet to be released from the United States. The chance to see him here on my home soil was one I wasn’t likely to pass up.

But boy I hate those sweaty bar gigs. I hate standing up for hours on end. I hate the heat. And generally I hate the crowds, who seem far more interested in chatting to their mates than hearing the band. When the show was changed from an intimate adults-only gig at the Oxford Arts Factory to a larger all ages show at the Manning Bar I seethed. I imagined all the young girls squealing over gorgeous Joshua.

But strangely enough, none of that went down. Yes it was hot and sweaty in the Manning Bar, but the crowd was one of the best I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. This was probably due to the decision to keep all alcohol outside. While I was initially a little annoyed to make the choice between seeing the band or enjoying a cold beer, I came to appreciate the segregation. Those of us down near the stage were there because we wanted to be. We were quiet and attentive, and the performers loved it.

Sadly I missed the first act. My ticket said the show started at 8, yet their set was all over and done by then. Honestly, I can’t even remember the name I saw on the posters. If I did know it, I’d give them a plug to apologise for my missing their act.

I did catch Kyu though, two very cool girls creating the kind of ethereal music that wouldn’t be out of place at a Tori Amos concert. It had that same kind of magical vibe; a little bit banshee-like with wailing and drums, yet strangely compelling. I was initially sceptical but they sucked me in pretty quickly.

Then Joshua took the stage, and had me at hello. His set drew from both studio albums and his latest which is yet to be unveiled. The newer tracks were less intimate and more rock, but no one seemed to mind this change in direction, or the unfamiliar tunes. We also didn’t mind hearing all of the stories about the inspiration for his songs. How refreshing to be in a crowd that didn’t mind an artist pausing to reflect. He clearly appreciated it too, thanking us with all the sincerity of a person genuinely pleased to be playing for such a warm audience. This wasn’t the well-rehearsed shtick of a performing veteran; it was authentic joy at us hearing his words and embracing his songs.

The set included the usual suspects: “Today” was the song he sang at Ellen’s wedding, and “I’d Rather Be With You” got a nice run in a recent Home & Away commercial. But you never really know what you’ll get when a performer hasn’t released anything in our country. I was thrilled to hear my favourite song, “You Got Growin’ Up to Do.” It was originally recorded as a duet with Patty Griffin, and without a female voice on hand I definitely didn’t expect its inclusion in the set. What a thrill. I also loved his stripped back take on “Sky,” a request he happily took from a girl near the front row. How I love an artist who’s willing to play for the fans who brought them here.

Joshua hasn’t left yet, but he says he’s already anticipating a return journey. I’ll definitely be there to see him, even if I have to stand up all night in a sweaty pub to do it. Some performers are just that good.

Image source: own photo