JULY 6
R.E.M. Live at the Stravinksi Auditorium

Last night the Stravinski Auditorium was absolutely jammed full of people for the R.E.M. show. The concert, which kicked off the band's European summer tour, was sold out weeks in advance. Special guest Ben Harper opened up the show with some acoustic folk-rock guitar playing. During Harper's performance and the intermission, the youthful audience pushed forward increasingly in anticipation. When R.E.M. came on stage, they did not disappoint. The American trio and band played some of their most well-known songs such as "Losing My Religion" plus more recent cuts like "Daysleeper" and "Suspicion." After test driving the Meyer system, pushing it hard during the sound check and the concert, FOH engineer Joe O'Herlihy said he loved it.

Down in Miles Davis Hall, it was Africa Night, featuring performances by Senegalese artists Baaba Maal and Wasis Diop, as well as reggae-style jazz guitarist Ernest Ranglin.