Band got away and cruised home

ADRIANA YUGOVICH/Daily Chris Peters and Dina Harrison performed at the Blind Pig this past Friday.

"Its great to be home, guys!" said Getaway Cruiser singer Dina Harrison in the middle of the group's performance at the Blind Pig this past Friday. Playing to a packed house, Ann Arbor's finest rock band gave an electrifying performance of its songs. Although the band members were all recovering from a recent sickness, the band still managed to rock the Blind Pig.

In true Blind Pig tradition, the headliner's performance was delayed. The cause of the wait was due to the opening act, rap group Slum Village, not finding the venue on time. Consequently, Getaway Cruiser did not take the stage until it was well past midnight. Despite the late hour of the performance, the crowd had been kept quite awake by Slum Village's energetic grooves and aggressive rapping that kept everyone's hands up in the air. A definite party vibe was well established by the group.

This party atmosphere carried through when Getaway Cruiser took the stage. The group opened its set with "Birthday" and the crowd swayed and danced appreciatively. Singer Dina Harrison and company had terrific on- stage chemistry that seemed to permeate all across the room. Guitarist Chris Peters had some initial technical difficulties, but the matter was quickly resolves with and the group delivered blow after blow of tight renditions of its songs.

Songs off its Sony/550 music debut release such as, "Something about you," "Strung Over, Hung Out" and "I'm Fine (I find)," all came to exciting life with guitarist brothers Chris and Drew Peters both attacking their guitars like their lives depended on it. Chris especially got a whopping response when he played a solo with the guitar behind his head, a la Hendrix. Drew was not to be outdone either. His entire body kept violently jerking about to the strumming of his guitar.

The Cruiser's rhythm section, Mark Dundon on bass and Dan Carroll on drums were not outshined as they each put a lot of heart into their playing as well. Mark's onstage presence added to the show as the tall bass player's reserved stage moves added a nice balance to the manic energy of the Peters brothers and singer Dina's moves. Drummer Dan Carroll, who sometimes shares the spotlight with programmed beats, was a very intense musician to watch. He was completely punishing the drums with his tight sense of rhythm and groove.

Earlier that day, Getaway Cruiser had performed a short four-song set at Tower Records, which only a small number of people attended. Attendance at the Blind Pig, however, was not a problem at all. The venue was packed full with predominantly college-aged fans. The fans' dancing and singing-along helped provide a very enjoyable vibe to the show.

When it was time to perform its last song for the night, singer Dina announced, All right everybody, its time to get down! I want to see some serious booty shaking out there!" On that cue, the group belted out its ultra catchy and danceable tune, "Let's get down," and ended its set.

With its performance that night, the group managed to prove that it was indeed one of Ann Arbor's finest local acts. The band had a terrific selection of its songs that were well-performed and had lots of charisma leftover as well.

Getaway Cruiser had the weekend off from touring but headed out on the road again this past Monday. Until Getaway Cruiser comes back for another home show, Ann Arbor will probably not see anything quite like Friday's performance in a while.

10-07-98