The reciprocal energy between musicians and fans brings them closer, fostering a deep connection that enhances the concert experience.
The Canadian pop band Barenaked Ladies knows this all too well. Besides hits like “If I Had a Million Dollars” and “One Week,” Barenaked Ladies’ live shows feature impromptu riffs — and breakdancing. It’s all in the name of fun.
At the Kino Sports Complex, Barenaked Ladies will bring that package to the Centurions’ benefit, A Naughty Yachty Affair, on Saturday, April 26. Yachtley Crew opens the show.
“It’s an honor for someone to ask us to play at a benefit — especially if it’s community-run and everybody really owns the cause,” said bassist Jim Creeggan. “I’m excited about this one.”
He is curious about one part of the benefit, however.
“The ‘naughty’ part,” Creeggan said with a laugh. “I’m wondering what kind of ‘naughty’ this is. I guess I’ll find out on stage.”
Concerts are the lifeblood of Barenaked Ladies. The band’s musicianship is often overlooked for hook-laden lyrics and upbeat melodies.
Their musical improvisations in concert and clever deep cuts are just as notable. Take a track like “Aluminum,” in which singer Ed Robertson sings, “You can shine like silver all you want, but you’re just aluminum.”
Creeggan said he gets as excited about recording new albums as he does about 2023’s “In Flight.” Creating music is fun for the band, especially Creeggan.
“With the process of making a record, you write a song, take a chance and scribble out something,” he said.
“Introducing the song to the band is nerve-wracking, right? Because it’s your little personal idea coming out and becoming more real. Ultimately, you have to play it for people.”
Creeggan is proud of his crafty doo-wop song “Just Wait” from “In Flight.”
“We really went doo-wop with it as a group,” he said. “We did all these great doo-wop answer lines with the group; you know responding to the lead. I’m a big doo-wop fan. It’s always joyful to doo-wop with the audience as well. They love it and they’re doing this side-to-side snap thing. It’s amazing.”
Barenaked Ladies will soon embark on the “Last Summer on Earth Tour” with Fastball, Sugar Ray and Guster. Unfortunately, the tour will not stop in Arizona. Creeggan views tours like this as opportunities for continuing education.
“The shows have always evolved,” Creeggan said. “We’re enjoying playing songs from ‘In Flight.’ I feel like the songwriting and the band keeps better and better.”
In May, the collective will release “In Flight — Carry On,” a seven-song acoustic record featuring tunes like “Enough Time” and “One Night.”
“We just did an acoustic record,” he said. “I’m excited to do these real simple versions of these tunes. All of a sudden, a new light shines on them. It’s always fun for me when we come up to the front of the stage and do it. It’s sort of Grand Ole Opry style. Be prepared for choreography to come your way, too. A little dancing is always enjoyable.”
Throughout their nearly 40-year career, Barenaked Ladies have forged friendships worldwide. Creeggan noted that it’s enjoyable to observe fans and friends during the impromptu set that concludes the shows.
He’s been a musician long enough that he can play and watch the audience enjoying themselves.
“I think a lot about the concentration,” he said. “There’s a point when you’re playing the instrument and you just follow it. Your body follows it. It becomes this groove and it just guides you along.
“The actual playing and singing part of it becomes very intuitive. That’s the beauty of it.”
He can even partake in the beauty of venues like Pine Knob Music Theatre in Independence Township, Michigan; and Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado.
“I was playing Red Rocks and I was looking at my hands the whole time,” he said.
“I looked up and I went, ‘Oh my God. There’s a cathedral of beauty out there — natural beauty and the people.’ I think for our band that’s something we all have in common. We really like to engage with the audience.”
The Great Centurions Regatta: A Naughty Yachty Affair with Yachtley Crew and Barenaked Ladies
WHEN: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 26
WHERE: Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way, Tucson
COST: Visit website for options
INFO: thecenturions.com
This article appears in Apr 10-17, 2025.
