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My all time favorite band (EKOOSTIK HOOKAH) played in Pittsburgh, Pa, on Saturday (10-23-2010). The Venue was on E Carson St. at a very well liked place called 'The Rex Theater'. It was a 21+ show which meant we were allowed to drink right up at the stage. I much prefer these 21+ shows as opposed to the all ages shows because, you have to stay & drink at the bar which is the furthest possible distance from the stage and live music. I was recently at one of these all ages shows at 'The Rex' watching Donna Jean's son Zion (BoomBox), and was highly disappointed because I had to be in the totally other room to drink.
However, on Saturday night I couldn't have been more pleased. The Band really brought an intimate show to the venue. Now I have seen Ekoostik Hookah at The Rex before, but this was by far the best show they have ever played there. The band started with one of my favorite songs 'Green' which lead right into a very special song, 'Coming Back To Me'. Hearing these two songs start the show lead me to believe that I was in for a real treat (And I surely was). They finished the first set strong with a song that isn't usually played unless Dave Katz (Head of Band/Pianist) is really feeling the atmosphere. He definitely must have been because they ended the 1st set with 'When I Die'. Which was originally a very slow, soft song by Laura Nyro. When Ekoostik Hookah covers it, it is far different from Laura's sweet version. It is one of those songs that have great lyrics and the potential to make you dance like you've never danced before! Great way to end the set . . .
At set break I entered a raffle drawing to support the homeless veterans. The raffle prize was an autographed cymbal with all of Ekoostik Hookah's members on it. Sure enough, before they opened the second set. . . my name was drawn by the rhythm guitarist 'Eric Sargent'. I had won, and I could not have been more thrilled!!
With a recorded show of 2 hours and 23 minutes they rocked two sets hard! It almost felt very intimate. As if maybe they were giving us a special treat. One after another the songs just kept getting better. They even busted out a song that hadn't been played for two whole years 'Mountain Home'. Also covering The Rollings Stones song 'Sweet Virginia' , and Allman Brothers "Blue Sky", as their encore performance.
If you have never seen/heard/ or listened to Ekoostik Hookah, I strongly encourage that you do. Many of their shows from their 19 years of playing can be found at Archives.org.
This particular show can be found at the following link:
http://www.archive.org/details/eh2010-10-23.mk6_16bit
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