The fact that ALO (Animal Liberation Orchestra) played an outdoor amphitheatre with a fortified and oft-used Shakespearean background set behind them speaks volumes - not only of the band's laid back attitude (heartily mirrored their music), but also of their ability to make use of anything at their disposal. During a second set the band performed on the second floor of the set, churning out "Girl I Wanna Lay You Down" with sparse instrumentation, the largest of which was an accordion, which accompanied singer Zach Gill.

Below them in the pit and in the rising area of seats were people who lifted their kids on their shoulders and grooved to the band's catalog, many of the songs coming from the new album Man of the World. ALO stomped through the title track as well as "The Champ" and "Suspended." The band played much of both sets with calm commitment, like scientists playing in a lab - utilizing unorthodox instruments throughout the show.

But it must be noted the band really showed its moxie and love of varied music by way of cover choices. In between "Welcome to Your Barbecue," a song highlighted by Gill's delivery of the lyrics "Welcome to your barbecue/Where we'll roast all your dreams that didn't come true," the band easily segued into Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger," bringing the crowd even higher. They upped the stakes throughout the evening, inviting opener Chris Valen onstage for a blistering take on Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" with guitarist Lebo working his electric-acoustic. They closed the night with a sludgy, funky version of Joe Walsh's "Life's Been Good." ALO managed to transcend the typical jam-band label by keeping it fun and soulful.

http://www.myspace.com/alomusic

Photographer: Brian Tucker