Smash Mouth draws exuberant crowd
By Gina Tabonares
Although Halloween had passed MWR was not tricking when it promised that the concert at Polaris Point by pop rock band Smash Mouth would be a treat-filled night of fun and entertainment.
The weather cooperated for the Nov. 5 event. As early as 5 p.m., a mixed crowd from Yigo to Merizo began to fill the huge grounds to find a good spot for watching and dancing. Amid the scent of barbecue, hotdogs and nachos little kids where scattered with their parents lying on the grass on beach mats or blankets.
The dancing mood was started by local band Mojo at 6 p.m. as anticipation for the California-based headliner built up. Fan Rita Catalino brought her whole family, including two young daughters she said are also familiar with the band’s songs.
Spotted in the VIP row was Rear Adm. William French, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas, and his family. Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Clark, Submarine Squadron 15 chief of staff, was seen dancing in the crowd with his wife Wendy, and CSS 15 Operations Officer Paul Pamporo came with his wife Kathy and daughter Amanda. As Smash Mouth started playing “Walking on the Sun” and “Then the Morning Comes,” the audience moved closer to the stage.
The vibe was infectious. Cameras started flashing as soon as lead vocalist Steve Harwell started belting hits such as “All Star,” “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby,” “Come on, Come on” and “Why Can’t We Be Friends.” The audience responded in various ways from yelling lyrics and screams to dancing. One father danced while carrying his 3-year-old son on his shoulders for the entire show.
Before rolling out their signature song “I’m A Believer,” Harwell asked how many in the audience were believers, drawing enthusiastic responses. Many in the audience claimed they were only familiar with the soundtrack of the animated movie “Shrek” but were now converted Smash Mouth fans.
Mothers and daughters joined forces to scream and express their enthusiasm for the music and band.
Donna Rhodes and daughter Becca, 14, were among them, singing and swaying to the beat in unison. The real treat for Donna Rhodes was when the band played some Van Halen songs.
“I am an uber Van Halen fan,” she said. “It is worth the trip from Yigo and even if we had to pay for the ticket we would have definitely come. We really enjoyed it.”
“The MWR should be applauded for bringing Smash Mouth and please tell them to invite Lost Lonely Boys (Los Lobos) for the next concert,” another fan added.
The energy level went up another notch as the crowd called for an encore. To the delight of the fans, Smash Mouth gave them their all during both sets for a full hour and a half.
Fans left Polaris Point still humming to the tune of “Can’t Get Enough of You Baby.”
