The Decemberists bring energetic rock barely contained by the CCA

Posted on Sept. 21, 2009, at 12:29 a.m.

The Collins Center for the Arts is a venue that celebrates class, high art and civility. Symphonies, ballets and musicals all take the stage annually where etiquette is a must. But folk-rock act The Decemberists wouldn’t stand for such mundane behavior from the 1,300 audience members in attendance last Friday night. A mass of rabid, young fans rushed toward the stage for the encore of their concert, creating an exciting pandemonium seldom seen in the CCA.

This act reflected the tone of the night. The Decemberists played with an energy and furor unrivaled by most performers. They turned the show into a shared experience for everyone there — making the auditorium feel no bigger than a small club.

“Everyone on stage was just completely into it,” said Katie Prestinari, an attendee who traveled to the show from Bar Harbor. “[Singer Colin Meloy’s] jumping around was so intense. I was screaming so loud. It was great.”

The concert, sponsored by Student Entertainment, featured openers Laura Veirs and the Hall of Flames. Viers’ overly indie sound created a relaxing mood as the stragglers took their seats. Her sparse orchestrations, rich harmonies and playful lyrics seemed like something straight off the “Juno” soundtrack. A delightful calm before the storm.

As soon as the Portland, Ore.-based fivesome — Meloy, Jenny Conlee (keyboards), Chris Funk (guitar), John Moen (drums) and Nate Query (bass) — took the stage, the crowd was uproarious. The rows upon rows of skinny jean-wearing hipsters, trendy indie chicks and thick-bearded adults keen to modern music were captivated as The Decemberists milked their first ending on “July, July!”

The band rocketed through a stellar set of new songs and old favorites. “The Rake Song,” off their latest album, was immaculate, featuring Conlee and Funk on auxiliary percussion parts that rattled bones. Flawless transitions let the band flow beautifully from one classic to the next. Standouts, like “16 Military Wives,” consistently caused the crowd to erupt.

Even Meloy’s stage banter, ranging from lobster jokes to the proper pronunciation of “Orono,” made the audience go wild. His charisma was unruly.

“Most rock stars try to act like comedians, but these guys pulled it off,” said Kevin Malmstrom, an older, non-student attendee.

The excitement during the show doubled when the band came back for the encore and the crowd had rushed to the front. The crowd danced, flailed, jumped and enjoyed every other type of rowdy physical movement possible. Security flocked to the stage to help.

“I thought it was awesome everyone rushed to the front,” said Abtin Mehdizadegan, vice president of Student Entertainment. He also said that there was concern because people were standing on top of the orchestra pit, eventually leading to fans being moved a couple feet back. “It’s just not made for that much weight.”

But when one fan repeatedly refused to back away from the stage, only to be hassled by security, guitarist Funk yanked him on stage. The wild fan, with a sweatshirt tied around his waist, was given Funk’s guitar — he had no ability to play it — and flailed uncontrollably. Obnoxious noise was all that could be heard coming out of the guitar.

Just before, Funk led the crowd in a horrendous cover of Outfield’s “Your Love.” Their romping ending was an extended version of “Chimbley Sweep.” Not only was the fan on stage, but Meloy also gave his guitar away to another young fan. Funk ended up shirtless, flab hanging out romantically, by the time the song came to an end.

Mehdizadegan considered the concert a great success and hopes to continue to bring diverse artists to the University of Maine.

“I want to keep bringing shows that are fun and well received to the students,” Mehdizadegan said. “It’s been good testing the waters to see what UMaine likes, and I think I’ve found it.”