Josh Radin concert brings eclectic music, big crowd

Recording artist and songwriter Joshua Radin brought an eclectic performance to the Plaza Theatre in downtown Orlando on Feb. 7, entertaining an eager crowd of college and middle-aged fans.

Radin performed a few tracks from his newest album released last September, The Rock and the Tide, but primarily played songs, such as "Closer" and "I'd Rather Be With You," from his first two albums.

During the upbeat songs, Radin encouraged the crowd to stand up, clap and sing along with his music.  He furthered this sense of performer-to-crowd intimacy by providing emotional explanations for many of his songs.

"I love these venues that are at a small theatre, because it's so personal," said Camila Ramon, a student from Miami. "The people out there are all about looks and commercial stuff, and he's [Radin] just true talent."

Bryan Young, a sophomore at Winter Park High School, also enjoys Radin's ability to emotionally captivate his fans.

"About a year and a half ago I got pretty upset because of a girl, found Radin on YouTube and I've been listening to him ever since," Young said. "When he was playing I was in awe.  I enjoyed every second of it."

Radin's commercial success began in 2004 when his song "Winter" was featured in an episode of the hit television series, Scrubs. He has since released three albums and completed several tours.

Radin's set list varied from calm, solo-acoustic songs to rock-style pieces that ended in fast moving improvisations with the accompaniment of a full band.

Some of Radin's loyal fans were not pleased to hear him stray from his simple acoustic roots.

Rich Hibner from Gainesville, who has seen Radin in concert four times in the past six years, voiced his discontent with the new music.

"I'm not really enthusiastic about his shift into rock 'n' roll," Hibner said. "I think his strength is that he can create powerful music with just his guitar."

When interviewed, Radin spoke candidly about the response of the Orlando crowd to his music.

"It's always nice to look a standing ovation in the face," Radin said, speaking of the audience's encore.

Radin said his musical success has been a slow climb, but worth it.

"It's been a slow and steady build," Radin said. "Every time you return to a town you hope a few more people will show up. That's how 30-year careers are made."

Anya Marina, a singer-songwriter from San Diego, opened for Radin.  Marina is most known for the song she wrote for The Twilight Saga: New Moon,  "Satellite Heart."

Marina's quirky and personable stage presence engaged the audience as she joked about her romantic experiences and the fun she has had being the only girl on a tour bus of nine guys.

Most of Marina's performance consisted of only her and a guitar, sprinkled with a few songs that featured a couple of musicians from Radin's band.

Standout songs included Marina's cover of "Whatever You Like" by T.I. and "Clean and Sober," a comedic and angry commentary on an ex-boyfriend that caused a ripple of laughter through the audience.

"I feel spoiled playing every night for new, sold out crowds," Marina said. "Touring with Josh and the band is like having nine new brothers."