The Clarion

Issue date: 2/27/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: courtesy of Nettwerk Records The recent Boulder concert of State Radiio pleased eager and excited fans. State radio played number songs from their first studio album. [Click to enlarge]

Blasting from the Glen Miller Ballroom on the University of Colorado- Boulder campus was the reggae/rock sound of the newly formed band, State Radio.

Those in attendance, who were able to suffer through the opening performance of the Street to Nowhere band, were treated to an astonishingly personal and passionate performance by State Radio front man Chad Stokes.

Stokes is best known for his work in the ever-popular group, Dispatch, for which he wrote numerous hit songs including "The General," "Flying Horses," and "Open Up," to name a few.

Today, Stokes leads State Radio across the country singing to raise awareness for many different social issues, including the genocides in the Sudan.

After a short delay between Street to Nowhere's lackluster performance during which the crowd began chanting for them to leave the stage, State Radio opened with one of its more upbeat songs titled, "Rushian."

This song contains the title of the band's first full album: "Us Against the Crown."

The restless crowd was instantly caught up in the sounds of Stokes and fellow band members Charlie Fay, who plays bass, and Mike Najarian on drums.

The band continued to play through its list of songs, ranging from hard rock with powerful bar chords and reggae songs that have a softer, more uplifting sound.

One highlight in the middle of the show was when Fay addressed the crowd. The crowd burst into "Happy Birthday" when fans found out it was Stokes' birthday.

Laughing and grateful, Stokes thanked the crowd and continued right on with playing more of the band's many songs.

Overall, the music, as well as Stokes' superb stage presence and overall charisma with addressing the audience, made the concert fly by.

Finishing up the set, the band played one of its more lively and entertaining songs "Man in the Hall."

Continued...

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