Jay, here.
Just got back from the Kevin Costner & Modern West concert this evening at the Hult Center.
It’s late. I’m tired. So, let’s cut to the chase.
Here are some answers to a few of the questions you might be asking yourself.
What?
An Evening with Kevin Costner & Modern West, presented by the U of O Baseball Program.
Where?
Silva Concert Hall, Hult Center - 7th & Willamette, Eugene, Oregon.
When?
Friday May 30, 2008 & Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 8:00pm.
Why?
Kevin Costner & Modern West are presenting these benefit concerts for the University of Oregon’s new baseball program (in support of Mr. Costner’s good friend, U of O baseball coach George Horton).
Who?
Well, not as many in the audience as I think the U of O was expecting. There was no one in the balcony and only a smattering of people at the mezzanine level. The orchestra level was relatively full. But I’m guessing the Silva was only at about 45% capacity. And Mr. Costner took note of the disappointing turnout, inviting people to come on down and sit in the empty seats.
How?
I received a comp ticket. But tickets are $60 and $70. $25 for students. Although, I just heard that the price of the tickets might have been dropped down to $45.
What should you expect at the concert on Saturday?
This is just a guess. But if it’s anything like Friday’s performance, here’s how it will go:
The show starts with a montage of clips from Kevin Costner’s films. As those clips finish up, Mr. Costner makes his entrance at the back of the orchestra level. And if you can get a seat on the aisle, you have a 50-50 shot at shaking his hand as he makes his way to the stage. As soon as he gets on stage, he performs for about two hours straight. In between songs, he interacts with the crowd a little bit and explains where the songs came from. At the end of the concert, the bands comes back for two more songs.
Take your camera. People were snapping pictures all over the place.
How was it?
It was OK. Mr. Costner and the band are clearly talented individuals. But it was difficult getting into country-like songs I’ve never heard before (and Mr. Costner acknowledged this fact to by pointing out that some of the songs were new to them and all of them were new for us). They performed all original songs, except for one. And the Silva Concert Hall does not encourage people to stand up in its setup. Although, I think the energy level was expected given the number of people in attendance.
It was also very surreal. I was watching Kevin Costner give a music concert in Eugene, Oregon to benefit U of O baseball. That’s a lot to take in.
What were the highlights of the show?
There were two highlights. About half-way through the show, Mr. Costner invited people to come up on stage and dance. About 10-15 attractive women between the ages of 40 and 55 (Sorry, if you were younger. Blame it on the fog.) got up there to dance with Kevin and the band…and one guy. And he was hilarious. Worth the price of admission alone. Which for me, was nothing. But if I had paid $75 for my ticket, that would have made it worth it. Very funny stuff.
The second highlight was a low point, as well. Towards the end of the show, some woman tossed her red underwear on stage. When did Kevin Costner become Tom Jones? Expected, but I was really hoping the crowd would disappoint me.
Unfortunately, I don’t think there is any kind of guaranty of these happening Saturday night.
Should you go?
If you view this concert as an opportunity to see a movie star and support the U of O baseball program, then you should probably go. But if you’re expecting a great music concert and are not interested in the baseball program, you might want to save your money.
What’s the bottom-line?
The bottom-line is that Kevin Costner seems like a very talented and personable performer who was doing a solid for a good friend.
Did you go the concert? If you did, what did you think?
While we’ve got Kevin Costner on the brain, here’s my list of Top 10 Kevin Costner films:
Top 10 Kevin Costner Films
10. No Way Out
One of the more unexpected endings of all-time. It’s no Keizer Soze, but it’s still good.
9. Revenge
Tony Scott directs one of the best revenge movies ever. The best being the 2002 version of The Count of Monte Cristo (directed by Waterworld’s Kevin Reynolds).
8.Wyatt Earp
Even though Tombstone is more entertaining, Dennis Quad should have been nominated for an Academy Award for his take on John Henry “Doc” Holliday.
7. A Perfect World
One of Kevin Costner’s best performances with Clint Eastwood’s deft direction.
6. JFK
Forget the history. This is an education in film-making techniques.
5. Open Range
The best gun fight in movie history. And it’s all in the sound design.
4. Field of Dreams
The most unrealistic portrayal of a sports culture ever put on film.
3. Bull Durham
The most realistic portrayal of a sports culture ever put on film.
2. Dances With Wolves
An epic Western and Civil War period piece with a non-traditional portrayal of Native Americans.
1. The Untouchables
Brian DePalma’s best directorial effort. A David Mamet script. Sean Connery’s Academy Award-winning performance. Ennio Morricone’s masterful score. Robert Deniro as Al Capone. And Kevin Costner at the beginning of his rise to fame as an American movie icon.
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