Better Daze consists of lead vocalist Bob Knowles, drummer Rick Dedrick, guitarist Mark "Slowhand" and bassist Jim Ramsey.

Better Daze at McCues

Concert Review

By: Chris Thelin

Posted: 11/29/07

As people walked into a dimly lit McCue's barroom, the nights entertainment, Better Daze, warmed up on the stage getting ready to play their hearts out for the people of Keene.

As part of McCue's weekly live performances, Better Daze preformed on November 17. The band has been together for over two years, but only two original members remain. They are lead singer Bob Knowles and drummer Rick Dedrick. The new members, bassist Jim Ramsey and guitarist Mark "Slowhand" are still new to the band but love performing with them so far.

Better Daze is a cover band that features all different rock songs from bands that are popular today, such as Green Day and The Killers to classics like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The band does have some favorite songs they like to play.

"We love to play songs that get the crowd involved and pumped up," said Knowles. "We love to play 'Holiday' by Green Day. It really gets the crowd excited."

As a cover band, it is usually hard to distinguish yourself as a unique band. However, Better Daze was able to do just that. Despite not playing their own songs, they were able to put their own original sound into them.

Before the show started, the whole band was ready to perform and show how they were different from just another cover band.

"People just don't come here to hear music. They come here to see a show," said "Slowhand."

Throughout the three-hour performance, they were able to put on the show they were hoping for. The band was able to use some effects that got the crowd excited such as a very nice light set up and a fog machine.

It was easy to see the band didn't only work on their music, they worked on performing as well. The people in attendance, from college students to people in their 30s, were dancing throughout the performance and drinking all the while. Even though the show was a little on the long side, the band was able to keep interest throughout. They performed in the crowd and even handed out beads (not Mardi Gras style) to those who showed the most enthusiasm on the dance floor.

The bar was packed and there was not an empty seat available. Keene State College senior Jared Hardell was spotted at the performance. "I go to McCue's almost every weekend and I haven't seen it this packed for a long time," said Hardell.

By the end of the show, the crowd was cheering for an encore, which of course Better Daze performed. The crowd absolutely loved their music and their energy. When the band asked if they should come back to Keene, the crowd went completely wild.

Judging by the crowd-pleasing performance they put on for the people at McCue's, Better Daze should be coming back real soon.

Ramsey was really impressed with what Keene had to offer. "This is just an awesome town. The college kids bring all sorts of energy and we just love playing for them."

The whole band agreed that if given the opportunity to come back to Keene, they would take it in a heartbeat. "We put on a great show and we look very forward to coming back," said Knowles.

Better Daze was a perfect fit for McCue's Billiards. They played the music that people like to hear when having a few drinks with some friends. They kept the crowd entertained throughout the show and refused to let up one bit.

To find out about upcoming shows or more information on the band go to their website, betterdazerocks.net or myspace.com/betterdazerocks.

Also, to find out McCue's Billiards' future live events schedule, log onto McCues.com or search for McCues

on MySpace.com.

Chris Thelin is a freshman majoring in journalism. His views do not necessarily reflect those of The Equinox.