Marco Benevento @ American Beauty NYC Photos by: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

If there is any venue to be naked in, it’s American Beauty on 30th Street.

Even Marco Benevento and band knew it walking in the door. 

Although in his case, they were making a pun on words… hence the Marco Trio playing “naked” without Joe Russo or the many other super jammy rock musicians he shares the stage with often.


Someone asked me today if the show was good, I said it was fun and entertaining.


It was quite funny when Marco, donned in his typical Mad Hatter-esque striped suit and top hat, hopped off stage and climbed up an odd spiral staircase to a dancing booth that could have been in a scene from Austin Powers.

Marco Benevento @ American Beauty NYC Photos by: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

As he pounded out his solo tunes on the piano with great focus, it was nice to see Marco laughing and enjoying the attention of the intimate audience. 


I would have liked if Marco didn’t have his back to the audience the whole night, though.  I’m sure his neck hurt the next day as he tried hard to turn his body mid-song to connect eyes with the audience. Note to American Beauty crew: Next time a piano man is playing, turn the keys around. 

Marco Benevento @ American Beauty NYC Photos by: Thunderbird Ranch Ramble

Marco’s continuous exploration of the organ and the many, many shapes and colors it can make is noted and appreciated. (Thanks mate!)


The second set started with the band stomping on to the stage clapping, dancing and soon singing “Why You Gotta Throw it Away.”


I certainly had a kick ass time.  So did the the 700 other fans that made up the sold out crowd.


FYW.


Just so you know… here is nice recent interview w Marco on Jambase.