Rhett Anthony, a Monday night regular at The Caterie, played March 17 to a surprisingly large crowd. Anthony played with a drummer and a bass player and managed to keep his audience interested by playing well-known cover songs and playing them well.
When Anthony picked up his acoustic guitar (with sunflower decorate guitar strap), he looked more like a singer/songwriter than the front man for a cover band. While playing acoustic songs, he set a more intimate mood. This crowd wasn’t looking for an introspective acoustic performer and seemed much more pleased when he once again picked up his electric guitar.
As a performer, Anthony comes across as confident and comfortable on stage. He tends to ramble between songs, but there are definitely some good moments in all that rambling. The audience was treated to an a capella rendition of the “Fraggle Rock” theme song, led by his bass player.
Anthony said he usually plays with a band, as opposed to solo, and has been for about nine years. He does not currently have any albums out but is working on a single with his band Hip Boot Joe. Anthony said he enjoys playing with the band that he headlines but is excited about writing and playing original music with Hip Boot Joe.
Anthony provided another hilarious moment when he played an incredibly accurate and complete version of the pop hit “Everybody Dance Now.” Anthony played songs by the Goo Goo Dolls, John Mayer, Sublime, Matchbox 20, Prince and many more. This show was entirely cover songs, but the audience seemed to be having a good time. Quite a few people were up and dancing.
Anthony seemed to be in touch with his audience and didn’t mind altering his set list to the whims of those yelling out requests to him. Following suggestions, Anthony played some ACDC and even Ozzy Osbourne.
His back-up musicians, a drummer and a bass-player, who also sang, made the show. Anthony himself is a more than competent musician, but he achieved a really tight sound, thanks to the band. The bass player appeared to be an excellent musician with a penchant for tasteful playing, a rare find in most local cover bands.
“He’s definitely good,” said political science junior David Lamb.
Lamb said he comes out to hear Anthony play sometimes and always enjoys the show. “I think he’s real enjoyable,” said Micah Hoffman, an LSU alumnus. “I always have a good time.”
Hoffman said he frequents The Caterie and did not come to hear Anthony specifically but does enjoy listening to the band.
Anthony will be performing at The Caterie again on Monday, March 24. He will be playing with his full band and performing all cover songs. The show is $5.