Progressive power band Dream Theater brought their production to the Artpark stage in Lewiston, NY, this past Sunday night. It’s been almost two (2) years since the departure of original member and founder of Dream Theater Mike Portnoy, but Mike Mangini was out to prove that he can admirably fill his shoes. The main song writers, guitarist John Petrucci (who doesn’t get enough credit regarding how good he is) and keyboardist Jordan Rudess are still intact.
With a band like this, it may be a challenge for the sound engineer to deliver a mix where everyone can showcase their talents. Unfortunately, six (6) string bassist extraordinaire John Myung’s output levels were very low and Rudess’ very high. Petrucci’s could have been turned up a tad more as well. Vocalist James LaBrie sounded amazing and even though the mix was off, it didn’t diminish the incredible talent that graced the stage Sunday night.
I haven’t seen a drum kit like Mangini’s in quite while. It looked like the touring drummers from the 1980s as it was loaded with plenty of cymbals and toms from top to bottom.
The band focused primarily on tracks from their latest offering “A Dramatic Turn of Events” released last fall. They played four songs from it and Rudess and Petrucci had a keyboard vs. guitar duel during the evening’s third (3rd) tune “The Dark Eternal Night.”
The two (2) hour show was a musician’s delight! Rudess and Petrucci also were left on stage alone to do “The Test That Stumped Them All,” which may have been the highlight of the night!
Each member got to enjoy the spotlight and give the crowd an overview of his respective talent. This band should be more appreciated. The area’s attendance was poor. Due to the bigger production that this tour dictates, they had to move it from the smaller Rapids Theater to the larger Artpark Mainstage, leaving the far sides and back of the venue empty.
Set List:
Bridges in the Sky
6:00
The Dark Eternal Night
This is the Life
The Root of All Evil
Lost not Forgotten
A Fortune in Lies
Surrounded
On the Backs of Angels
War Inside my Head
The Test that Stumped Them All
The Spirit Carries On
Encore:
Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper
We would like to thank Ralfael Castro from the Rapids Theater for allowing BackstageAxxess to review the show.
