To say Down With Webster was dope would be a gross understatement.
The Down With Webster set at the Prince George Civic Centre Friday night, was down right explosive.
The band, performed using the entire stage and engaged everyone in the crowd.
Formed 13 years ago, Down With Webster proved they still have as much energy as when they became a band in grade 8 band class.
In no time at all, Down With Webster had the crowd jumping and putting their hands up in a W shape as they ripped into Go Time and Time to Win, both off their debut album Time To Win (Vol.1), showcasing their eclectic sound, a mix of pop, rock and rap.
The six-piece band composed of Patrick Gillet on vocals and guitar, Cameron Hunter their MC, Martin Seja on vocals, Andrew Martino on drums, Tyler Arnes on bass and DJ Dave Diggy were well rehearsed. The Toronto area band, famous for their energetic shows, tossed red party cups into the crowd of mostly young girls as they revved up the show with their chart-topper Rich Girl$, their latest single She’s Dope, and Big Wheels.
Down With Webster kept the phrenetic pace up with a few tracks, Starin’ At The Sun and Royalty from their unreleased album Time To Win (Vol.2).
Back Of My Hand, a song about heartbreak, had the crowd singing along and Light The Night had fans waving cell phones and lighters. The set ended with Your Man, a retro sounding song that won Pop Video of the Year for the band at the 2010 Much Video Awards.
After a quick break and much to the delight of the crowd, Down With Webster played an encore that included Gon’ Do It, a song that included some call and response, and Whoa Is Me, a gritty rock song that drummer Martino described as “badass” during a pre-concert interview.
The evening began at 7 p.m. with local DJ Afreakwent spinning tunes.
Sparethelove spoilthechild, a Prince George band then took the stage with their unique brand of heavy metal.
Formed in Prince George in June last year, the five-piece band has since played a few shows around the Cariboo area and was very excited to be playing in front of a crowd of 1,500 fans.
Opening the show for Down With Webster was also a highlight, guitarist Bryce Lokken said.
He added Friday night’s gig would be a great stepping stone for a planned tour around the province and into Alberta.
Verbz In Tha Mix, aka Steve Hunt, a rapper from Quesnel, followed sparethelove spoilthechild.
Hunt kept the Down With Webster crowd entertained with a set that included five dancers.
Verbz, accompanied by Prince George rapper Ace-Drow, aka Brent Burton, for his 30 minute set, treated the crowd to fast rhymes, and a dance battle.
DJ Afreakwent, Sparethelove-Spoilthechild and Verbz In Tha Mix did an excellent job of setting the stage for Down With Webster.
Days before the show, Martino had only one concern, “I hope we don’t disappoint [the crowd].”
Mission accomplished.
Everyone went home with smiles on their faces.