April Smith and the Great Picture Show at the Bing Crosby Theater on Friday, November 26th
As the lights went down in Spokane’s adorable Bing Crosby Theater Kristen Kurtis from Spokane’s River 96.9 came out on stage with an introduction. April Smith & the Great Picture walked on stage and instantly lit up the room. April Smith looked adorable in striped nylons, green high heels (which did change to red), and a fluffy white skirt… almost like a short square dancing skirt. The four gentlemen on stage known as the Great Picture Show were dressed very sharp as well, with a vintage theme going on. They went straight into playing “Drop Dead Gorgeous” which is a track off their new album “Songs for a Sinking Ship.”
For as small and dainty as April Smith is, she has some seriously powerful, drop dead gorgeous, vocals. The entire band sure knew how to play instruments too! Throughout the night there were drums, stand up bass, keyboard, two acoustic guitars, bass guitar, electric guitars, a ukulele, accordion, violin, cajon (drum box), jingle bells, and some clapping. I also can’t forget April’s authentic vintage tambourine from the 1920’s that has to be authentic because she… bought it from eBay. She had a funny personality, the entire band did. On stage they were smiling and laughing, dancing! It is also cool that Kristen from the River has built such a nice Spokane relationship with the band. They even had Thanksgiving dinner at her house; according to April Kristen makes a mean, mean, mean berry cobbler. Even, after intermission the band brought Kristen on stage to play the one and only suitcase during “Colors.” So you can also chalk that on the list of instruments for the night, a suitcase… love it!
Another something extra lovely I enjoy about the band is how the drummer counts in the songs, it’s a nice touch! Among the songs they played for us tonight was of course “Terrible Things,” and a cover of “You Don’t Own Me” which was featured in the NFL Commercial with Alyssa Milano. During “Stop Wondering,” she had the cutest hand motions that went along with every lyric, it was killer. April Smith also did a cover of a song that her dad wrote which I thought was cute; it’s called “High School Memory.” Family must be important for April too because she even snuck in a sweet song about her grandparents. They also did holiday tunes for us, since it was the day after Thanksgiving, including “You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch,” and “Marshmallow World.”
I know the crowd had a wonderful time at the show! People were bopping their heads in their seats, even dancing at the end. There was a lot of laughter when she told stories and I know, for sure that Spokane loves April Smith & the Great Picture Show. She told us that they love our city, mountains, and trees so I hope that means they will be back soon! Until then, check April Smith & the Great Picture Show out here on their website!
P.S. – Kristen I have never met you, but I would love to try your mean berry cobbler sometime.
Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.
