The Orion Online

Issue date: 8/27/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Amber Morley Popular reggae-rock band The Expendables took over campus Saturday night with heavy guitar riffs and headbanging dance moves. Crowds of screaming fans flooded the George Petersen Rose Garden to rock hard and sweat the night away at the first free concert. [Click to enlarge]

The ghosts of music legends Brad Nowell and Bob Marley were smiling down from reggae heaven Saturday night.

The George Petersen Rose Garden was transformed into a sea of sweaty students, all bowing at the altar of The Expendables. A.S. Presents kicked off the fall semester by bringing the fan favorite to play a free concert.

Fans were milling around hours before the show was set to begin. Freshman Stefanie Schlief was eagerly anticipating the evening's festivities.

"I'm really excited," Schlief said. "It's awesome that the show is free. I've wanted to see them before, but I was broke."

By evening, young women clad in summer dresses and shirtless men were bouncing, swaying and grooving to the sounds of Natural Roots, the night's opener. As the band played its reggae-infused rock 'n' roll set, nearly 200 fans crowded around the stage, raising their arms during the chorus and bobbing their heads in time to the beat. "Thank you," yelled Eric Tillman, lead singer and guitarist. "We're Natural Roots, and I love you Chico!"

The crowd roared in response, letting their appreciation ring out.

While swarms of students were dancing and screaming to the music, just as many concertgoers were sitting down with friends. Circles of people covered the Rose Garden, most smoking cigarettes and swigging bottled water to escape the heat.

The environment was distinctly bohemian. A dog wearing a bandana ran free near the merchandise booth.

As temperatures cooled, more fans arrived. Once Natural Roots finished its set, the anticipation in the air was undeniable. The Expendables was about to take the stage.

Hailing from Santa Cruz, the band has been making waves in the underground music scene since 1997. The band, which includes Geoff Weers on vocals and guitar, Ryan DeMars on bass and vocals, Raul Bianchi on guitar and Adam Patterson on drums, has made a name for itself touring Slightly Stoopid and similar groups. The band has also shared the stage with Pepper and Fishbone.

Mixing reggae, dub, punk and '80s metal, The Expendables has carved out a special niche of its own.

"Hello Chico. My name's Geoff, and I'm an alcoholic," screamed Weers.

Once again the crowd shrieked its approval. Anyone who was sitting down stood up and made a beeline for the stage.

The band started with a mellow cut from its latest album. The crowd danced and sang along with a campfire vibe until the band launched into a much harder and faster number. The rest of the show held the same pattern: For every laid back reggae jam showing off its harmonizing skills, The Expendables followed with a blistering song showcasing punk influences and metal riffs.

As the night went on, the band played tunes about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, a cliche The Expendables managed to make feel fresh. With its laid back vibe, party attitude and musical prowess, the band transcended its influences and limitations to deliver a high-energy show full of cool California vibes.

As the sun set on the Rose Garden, The Expendables played on, leaving the campus feeling more like a backyard barbecue filled with friends than an institution of higher learning. Junior Shane Ellison, a parks and recreation management major, summed up the evening's show perfectly.

"It's nice to get out of the room," he said. "This brings a lot of kids out and beautiful ladies. It's a great way to start off the year."

Eric Wendt can be reached at
ewendt@theorion.com

Related links
The Expendables Official Web site
Natural Roots MySpace page

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