Concert Recap & Photo Gallery: Crash Test Dummies rock The JPT

Ari Hest supported the Crash Test Dummies with a half-hour of warm-up original songs on Thursday night.

From his website: “Ari is a Grammy nominated singer/songwriter who began his career as an independent artist in 2001. He built a loyal following touring the college circuit extensively between 2000 and 2003, after which he released two albums on Columbia Records, Someone To Tell (2004) and The Break-In (2007), all the while touring both in the U.S. and abroad with artists such as Martin Sexton, Suzanne Vega, and Ani Difranco…”

Hest often found himself not articulating what he wanted by way of introduction to his songs, but that did not interfere with a beautiful set of very well-crafted songs delivered with a very rich vocal. He was also very creatively capable on the guitar – sweet melodic lines and effortless delivery.

After a brief break, the theater was filled with Percy Faith’s Theme From “A Summer Place” as the Dummies took the stage in darkness. The six-piece group hit the ground running and immediately had the full attention of the near-full theater. The audience was very familiar with the catalog and often sang along. Brad Roberts, principal singer and writer led most every vocal and was sometimes joined by Ellen Reid on harmonies. The band and their program were very tight and covered the gambit of straight-ahead rockers then, followed by a rich ballad. The catalog is deep and well-represented. Solo instrumental opportunities were afforded to all with a rollicking guitar solo toward the end, leading to a ripping keytar solo by the keyboard player. The guitarist engaged the audience as a vocal conductor splitting the crowd in half then guiding 2 separate vocal parts. Very impressive. This was followed by an extremely impressive delivery of Heart of Stone – 2 voices with one guitar where one could hear a pin drop. The 90-minute set passed quickly, and they waved goodbye.

Following a brief moment of rousing applause, they returned, and the encore began. As promised, the band played all of their popular hits, a few more obscure pieces, and their newest song, “Sacred Alphabet,” from 2023. Crash Test Dummies are a rare and wonderful amalgam of talent. The crowd noted their excitement with the whole show and the rich memories that were brought back into focus. If they appear nearby, be sure to treat yourself to a life-altering musical experience.