This past Saturday, I got had the opportunity to go and see Fitz & the Tantrums, opened by Hunter Hunted, at LIFE in Ardsley, New York. It was QUITE the show!
Before Fitz and the Tantrums came on, the show was opened by the ridiculously talented Hunter Hunted. The Los Angeles based band is made up of Michael Garner and Dan Chang, (formerly of Lady Danville,) along with three other live-only members who completed the powerhouse. Hunter Hunted did a short opening set consisting of songs off their self-titled EP, dazzling the crowd with both their personable demeanor and hypnotic blend of soulful lyrics and indie pop. Throughout the set the group continued to impress the audience by having certain members of the band play multiple instruments, adding an entirely new aspect to an already-fantastic sound. Overall, there could not have been a more fitting gem of a band to open for Fitz.
The second that Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage, I (and the rest of the crowd,) knew that the show would not be one anyone would soon forget. Lead onstage by James King (saxophone, flute, trumpet, and harmonica), Joseph Karnes (bass), Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) and John Wicks (drums/percussion), the crowd went wild as the one and only Michael Fitzpatrick and the stunning Noelle Scaggs took the mics and welcomed everyone. Fitz made every woman (and many men) swoon in a modern-day Elvis, “Jailhouse Rock” inspired getup, while Noelle had tongues wagging with an all-black mesh top and a leather jacket and shorts combo; both perfect for the energetic live performances that Fitz and the Tantrums are known for.
The band kicked off the night with one of their newer songs, “Keepin’ Our Eyes Out,” which was a perfect start to the show, and soon had the entire audience involved in multiple other call-and-response inspired tracks. They also made sure to give love to some old favorites, such as, “Winds Of Change,” “6AM,” “Breaking The Chains,” and “L.O.V,” which the entire venue went absolutely wild for! Perhaps the most entertaining moment of the night was when Fitz and Noelle told the entire crowd to get down on the ground at the beginning of a tune. Anyone, and I mean anyone, who didn’t listen, got called out in front of the entire venue. Needless to say, everyone got really low, really fast, before proceeding to jump up and bounce to the beat simultaneously, creating an undeniable energy that completely engulfed the room. After wrapping up an incredible set, Fitz came back for a three-song encore, still leaving the crowd begging for more.
All in all, both bands were fantastic examples of modern-day sound with an oldschool flair, and I could not have asked for a better Saturday night. Make sure to give both Fitz & the Tantrums and Hunter Hunted a listen, I promise you won’t regret it!
