Rupert hosts benefit showcase

Band Together Showcase
The Patio
Friday, March 18

In order to combat budget-related cuts in local public school music programs, WTTS and Bands of America produced the Band Together concert series. The March 18 installation of this series was hosted by Survivor contestant Rupert Boneham, who proved surprisingly effective in his duties.

Opening was Fiti Futuristic, an artist who disproves the idea held by some that Christian music is by definition bad. Here is an artist who shows that what some music aficionados hate about Christian music isn’t its spiritual message, but rather a lack of artistry. Fiti Futuristic is clearly endowed with artistic talent, which he proved by delivering a set both well-crafted and well-executed.

Up next was the most recent BOB winner, Seven Degrees From Center. This band boasts singer Tim Koberstein, one of the most distinctive vocalists in the city. The band sometimes relies too much on Koberstein to define its sound, but it remains masterful in its ability to connect with an audience.

Devil to Pay’s music is a little like ’70s porn: dirty, hairy and a little sweaty. There’s nothing to dislike about this band, except perhaps its intentions for your moral center. Every player in Devil to Pay adds something to the band, and new guitarist Bob Bridges seems to really be coming into his own.

Closing the night was Loretta, in its debut performance as a four-piece. The band proved that it can carry on with vocalist Jason Weidner taking over bass duties. The real strength of this band is the vocal interplay between the Weidner brothers, a strength aptly displayed by the tag-team singing in their song “600 Years.” Their set was largely composed of promising new material, and it was a pleasant capper to the evening.