[twitter style=”horizontal” float=”left”]
[fbshare type=”button” width=”100″]
[pinterest count=”horizontal”]
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR COVERAGE OF SANTA MONICA PIER’S TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
What do you get when you combine a fiery redhead, ska-punk, and band mates that do things like stand with two feet on a cello WHILE PLAYING? This, my friends, is Save Ferris!
You may recall a certain movie by the name of “10 Things I Hate About You”, starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles. In said movie, during a fateful prom dance, you’ll see a band rock the socks right off each and every teenager in the room. That band was Save Ferris. They’re back and it sounds like they’ve never left.
The group- now comprised of Monique Powell, Gordon Bash, Joe Berry, Patrick Ferguson, Erik Hughes, Alex Burke, Brandon Dickert, and Connor McElwain- went on indefinite hiatus from 2003 to 2013, but have been working tirelessly as of late on a new album which they are hoping to release later this year. Though the current incarnation of Save Ferris has been performing since 2013, their headlining slot at the Santa Monica Pier definitely felt like a homecoming as they were warmly greeted by the ecstatic beach crowd.
The band has gone through changes in their lineup, leaving Monique Powell as the only original member, and their sound has evolved over the year going from ska-pop to punk rock. But what keeps Save Ferris together is the inimitable performance of Monique, or “Mo” (as she asked the audience to call her since we are all her “new friends”). Her stage presence was undeniable and her chrarisma was off the charts. With every step she took in her sky-high heels, she exuded an aura of straight power that was backed up with her powerfully supple voice. I don’t know how this woman performed so fabulously the way she did with those heels on, but damn! I want … no NEED … some lessons!
The hit “Nobody But Me” croons “Life is crazy when you’re always on your own. It’s amazing when you realize that you’re not alone”. Perhaps this is in reference to Mo being the backbone of the band from day one, but what I witnessed during their performance was that Save Ferris love their fans like family. Never have I felt more carefree and happy than when I was dancing with total strangers and exchanging knowing smiles with Powell.
After a throwback-packed set, and more than a few costume changes for Mo (by the way girl, where can I get your wardrobe please? Thanks!), the night’s headliners returned to the stage for an encore to perform their biggest hit (a cover of Dexy’s Midnight Rider’s “Come On Eileen”) which had the whole of Santa Monica singing along with them. I can’t wait for their album and I will undoubtedly be waiting to purchase my tickets to their next show. Until that time, you better believe I’ll be waiting with headphones on and a smile plastered permanently across my face as I dive into the glorious ska-punk library that is Save Ferris’s discography.
Follow Save Ferris on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR COVERAGE OF SANTA MONICA PIER’S TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
If an image below is pixelated, please click through the “view full size” link for a better view.
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF OUR COVERAGE OF SANTA MONICA PIER’S TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
LIVE CLIPS
