Instead of the usually belligerent, screaming fans who inhabit rock concerts at The Westcott, the crowd on Sunday mirrored the vibes of a low-key indie-rock band. Decked out in large framed glasses and beanies, the crowd talked among themselves and sipped beers.

The theater silenced as the opener, Delicate Steve, of Fredon, N.J., took the stage. The red and blue lights illuminated the crowd and heads began to bounce as bassist Jeremy Gustin began to stroke the strings of his bass.

The older crowd stood at the back and let the youngsters jam to the experimental, eclectic music.

Keyboardist Mickey Sanchez simultaneously shook the marimba to the beat of the electronic tunes, but aside for the slow nodding of heads, the crowd was at a standstill, apparently saving their energy for Dirty Projectors.

Daniel Kushner, a Syracuse University alumnus, waited in anticipation for one of his favorite bands to come on. He had seen them many a time before, but never at a venue like The Westcott.

“I am used to seeing them (Dirty Projectors) in a more relaxed environment in New York City. I am excited to see them in this rock-and-roll-kind of atmosphere,” Kushner said. “Syracuse is such a small place, it’s awesome that a band of this stature came here.”

David Longstreth, lead vocalist and guitarist of Dirty Projectors, walked across the stage as a roar of applause erupted in the room. Dirty Projects, a Brooklyn-based indie-rock band, released its latest album, “Swing Lo Magellan,” this past summer. The band began the show with the title track, setting a chill, relaxing tone for the rest of the show.

The crowd grew and the theatre eventually reached full capacity by the time Dirty Projectors played its second song, “Offspring Are Blank.” In between every song, Longstreth acknowledged band mate and drummer Michael Johnson.

“A lot of people get confused and think that Mike Johnson is the Olympic sprinter,” Longstreth said jokingly. “There’s a blog for all the Mike Johnsons in the world to meet. Seems like a sadistic blog to me.”

The band interacted with the crowd throughout the show as they smiled and joked with one another. Between “About To Die” and “No Intention,” Longstreth said, “This smoke machine, it’s awesome, it’s like ceremonial.” The crowed erupted into laughter.

With each song, the audience grew more enthusiastic, grooving to the vibes of the fun yet calm music. The set list seemed to be cohesive with the atmosphere, and with the beginning of each new song, the crowd grew wilder. Arms waved in the air, girls shook their hips and voices shouted along with every word.

Suddenly, as band members began the next song, the amp started to give a lot of feedback. But the audience didn’t seem to notice. Rather, it was Longstreth who stopped the show to figure out the problem. Avoiding an awkward silence, the band talked with the audience.

Vocalist Amber Coffman said,” I want to finish the song,” to which Longstreth said, “Man, I didn’t do anything.”

As soon as the technical difficulties were resolved, the band continued on with the show. The brief interlude did not deter from the vibe, and after one last song, they walked off of the stage.

But the crowd knew they’d come back for an encore.

The audience clapped, screamed and whistled loudly until Dirty Projectors reappeared from behind the stage. Longstreth and company finished the show with well-known tune “The Stillness is the Move,” setting the crowd off as they listened and jauntily danced to the harmonies of Coffman and Olga Bell.

Many of the fans drove from around New York to see the band live, such as long-time fan Travis Milliman of Le Moyne College.

Said Milliman: “It was awesome. There are a lot of indie-alternative bands out there, but there’s nothing that sounds like Dirty Projectors.”

Published on April 15, 2013 at 1:38 am

Contact Kelley: kcrowlan@syr.edu