Harlow’s hosted an outstanding evening of music Tuesday night with Exquisite Corps, Musical Charis and Agent Ribbons performing. Jerry Perry put on another great promotion for the many guests that attended the show.

Exquisite Corps started the show; actually they did an extended sound check so those who were there got to enjoy some great pre-show music. I’ve seen Exquisite Corps play a couple of times and was intrigued the first time I saw and heard them play. I thoroughly enjoy the mix of the orchestral strings in their music. It makes them unique not only for that but for their overall sound.

Exquisite Corps at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

Their mixture of violins and the deep cello sounds gives their music a rich dramatic sound. Their string instruments combined with guitar, bass, drums and Bryan’s rhythmically soothing vocals give them an exquisite sound.

Exquisite Corps at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

As with most local bands playing the local scene they had a merchandize for sale at a table towards the entrance. Bryan indicate that one of their friends, Melissa, had designed their t-shirts being sold along with CDs. He also thanked Jerry Perry for this promotion.

Musical Charis followed Exquisite Corps’ short set. As Musical Charis was setting up on stage there was an unfamiliar person in the front. At first I thought it was one of the guys from the band but it turned out to be someone by the name of Hobo Sapien. He spent a few minutes on stage warming up the audience. He did some poetry which was actually pretty good, he turned out to be a pretty well versed and smart hobo.

Musical Charis played musical chairs on stage as many of their members switched instruments going from one instrument to another. I thought that was pretty awesome as they showed off their versatility. Another thing I thought was awesome was the trumpet player, especially when they played their version of "Ring of Fire".

Musical Charis at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

Musical Charis is a fairly large group and they pretty much used every inch of the Harlow’s stage. After finishing up one of their songs they announced that their set required audience participation and that pretty much summed up the evening very nicely. At one point one of them said “A lot of good musicians in the house tonight. Support local music, keep it going Sacramento it’s [freaking] awesome!" It reminded that you can download and purchase many of their songs via their webpage.

Soon they launched into "Anatomy" followed by "Jezebel" with Jeremy’s guitar starting the song off. One of their songs was dedicated to everyone alive in America and outside of America. The large ensemble played a lively, fun and energetic set. As they finished off their set they played "Changed" and "Catwalk".

Musical Charis at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

Their variety of instruments and their presence on stage is truly enjoyable. Musical Charis is a talented bunch of individuals who seem to always have as much fun (if not more) than their fans. Their musical talents and performances are truly a musical gift.

The prodigal daughters, Agent Ribbons, returned to Sacramento and were welcomed back with open arms by the Harlow’s crowd. They started off with “Shoe Shine Boy” followed by “Buried With You” warming up the audience as more and more people gathered around the stage.

Agent Ribbons at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

“Man it’s so good to see most of you people in this room.” said Natalie Gordon as she welcomed the audience. A few guitar notes later “Grey Gardens” was qickly followed by the catchy rifts of “I’m Alright”.

Natalie told a story about a show at the Storyland in Fresno, their equivalent of our Fairytale Town and how there were probably more people at Harlow’s. She continued to say that as they played, a spider landed on Natalie’s guitar and scared her. As she continued she said she then dropped her guitar pick and as she was picking it up she stepped on her dress and fell over. The audience laughed as she kept telling her Miss Muffet type story.

Their set also included “Birds and Bees”, “Wallpaper of Skin”, “Obituary” and “Chelsea, Let’s go Join the Circus”. After that they immediately launched into one of their most widely recognized songs, “Don’t Touch Me.” Members in the audience joined in singing the lyrics. This song showcases Natalie’s wonderful voice range.  Agent Ribbons at Harlow's (Image by: David Alvarez)

Lauren Hess’ was recovering from a cold but showed her radiant smile as she played. The Folsom High School graduate played energetically through the set. As their show came to an end they played “Wood Lead Rubber”. Natalie said that when they played a show in Portland everyone formed a conga line and danced. Someone said “Sacramento does not conga” but he was mistaken a conga line was formed and moved in front of the stage.

Agent Ribbons’ à la mode outfits, as always, were truly awesome and their demeanor is very enjoyable. Their 12 song set was fantastic and delighted the audience. The prodigal daughters successfully returned to thrill the Sacramento crowd at Harlow’s show. One of their next shows will take place at Concerts in the Park (CIP) on May 20.

Jerry Perry came to the stage to close out the show and say that Agent Ribbons would be performing for free at Cesar Chavez Plaza Friday, May 20. He thanked everyone for coming to the show and bid everyone goodnight. It indeed was a good night to be at Harlow's and enjoy a great evening of fun and music.