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By JESSE SCOTT

Date published: 3/27/2003

YOUTH CORRESPONDENT

Cabbage patching. A sellout. Crowd singalongs. What more could you ask for from a live show?

Better Than Ezra mixed their modern rock sound and astonishing stage presence to sell out Nightclub 9:30 on St. Paddy's Day.

New Orleans natives Better Than Ezra (lead singer-guitarist Kevin Griffin, bassist Tom Drummond and drummer Travis Mc-Nabb) casually strolled onto the stage to the sound of their space-age, prerecorded introduction.

Right off, the band hyped up the loyal crowd with the vivacious and galactic hit "Recognize." Griffin proudly strutted his stuff across the stage, mixing "the cabbage patch" and his own dance moves during the opening piece.

With the crowd hanging on to every note, Griffin announced "the beginning of a new Better Than Ezra." A previously un-known song, "Special," had the crowd bouncing their heads like bobble dolls and screaming the words by the end. The strapping reaction signified the strong success the song should have in the future.

In fact, the band's new material lived up to the vintage stuff, maintaining a harmonic, benevolent sound. Ezra continued to belt out new song after new song.

The fans appreciated the fresh music, but the greatest responses came from the classics. B.T.E. swept the crowd with a mildly pop rendition of The Ramones' "I Want To Be Sedated." Afterward, the band led into their huge 1996 hit "Desperately Wanting," in which the atmosphere converted into joyous mayhem.

B.T.E. exited the stage, but the fans continued to cheer. Everywhere, audience members were covering their ears and shouting at the highest volume possible.

Recognizing the crowd's appreciation, Better Than Ezra stormed the stage and rocked the packed venue with "Coyote" and their 1995 supersmash hit "In The Blood."

To close out the evening, the Bayou band requested the crowd join them in a closing singalong. Griffin belted out the sweet-sounding vocals, as Drummond led everyone in a passionate chorus to their newest song, "Daylight."

Peering around the club, it was clear that people were not just saying the words--they were full-heartedly chanting them.

Better Than Ezra proved they are here to stay in the music industry. Touring for nearly eight years, the band performs each song with pure passion. They promised to return to D.C. soon. Be there--you won't be dissatisfied.

JESSE SCOTT is a junior at Stafford High School.

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Date published: 3/27/2003