By Cassy Hollan
People filled the little lobby as they piled into the Wagner Performing Arts Center (639 W. Main St.) in Monroe on Tuesday, Dec. 23. Baked goods were selected and nibbled on as everyone slowly found their way to their seats. All were there for one thing: the musical masterpieces performed by none other than Trace Bundy.
After a small announcement and introduction, the theater lights dimmed and the "acoustic ninjaGÇ¥ ' as his fans like to call him ' stepped on stage and took his seat. Accompanying him for his "An Evening with Trace BundyGÇ¥ show was not one, but two guitars. The event was a benefit concert for Take The Next Step, a resource center in Monroe. Take the Next Step called the $2,526 donation "an early Christmas present.GÇ¥
Musical tricks, talent
The night started off with a collection of Christmas songs. The sound from those guitars was nearly angelic as Bundy played. He then went into a collection of songs from past eras, and invited the audience to jump in and start singing if we knew the words. As if that was not enough, Bundy astounded us by playing a song backward, and then proclaiming that he was going to attempt to say, "Wagner Performing Arts CenterGÇ¥ backward. Faces were skeptical as he started his attempt and all was silent. He then hit a button to reverse what he had just said, and the crowd cheered as the words "Wagner Performing Arts CenterGÇ¥ clearly echoed throughout the room.
The concert ended on a high note as Bundy used both guitars at the same time, to produce one of the most amazing songs I've ever heard. Throughout the performance, Bundy used his guitar to mimic other instruments, such as a drum kit, piano, bells and an accordion.
After the show Trace mingled with guests, signing autographs and taking pictures with his fans.
Audience member Victoria Quesada said this was her first Bundy concert. "The man is a master of guitar, whose skill in hammer-ons and pull-offs is unmatched, playing the fretboard as one would an organ,GÇ¥ she said. "He is one of the few people I've seen who challenges the typical approach to an instrument that has been otherwise played to death.GÇ¥
All I have left to say is that I eagerly wait to hear more from Bundy ' so deservingly nicknamed "The acoustic ninja.GÇ¥
For more on Trace Bundy, visit www.tracebundy.com/
For more on Take the Next Step, visit www.ttns.org
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