Dim lights, two guitars, a stool and a microphone adorned the stage of the Lincoln Theatre April 1 for Citizen Cope’s heartfelt and raw performance.
Citizen Cope’s passion and talent for music was on full display for the sold-out audience. Equipped with nothing but his guitar and voice, Cope, otherwise known as Clarence Greenwood, silenced the theatre while playing, evoking admiration from his listeners.
Messy man bun and leather jacket coupled with his quiet demeanor left the audience with the mysterious character onstage, who admitted to not being good at conversing with his viewers.
“I”ve been trying to work on my in-between song banter,” Greenwood said. “I’m not very good at it. I’ve been trying to learn some jokes. I need a cowbell.”
The cowbell solidified as an ongoing joke between audience members and Greenwood.
Acoustic singer-songwriter Victoria Reed opened the evening with her sultry voice and lyricism concerning self-love and being in control of your own life. Her humility was evident after applause and during her song introductions.
However, her voice was anything but quiet.
Reed’s Lana Del Ray-esque voice resonated through the microphone, sending chills through the air. Her controlled pitch and obvious love and talent for songwriting kicked the night into gear and set the mellow mood.
As the evening progressed, Greenwood performed songs such as “Let the Drummer Kick” and “One Lovely Day,” sending one Citizen Cope lover into an interpretive dance-like production for the theatre to watch, almost competing with Greenwood’s zealous spirit.
Both Reed’s and Greenwood’s performances exuded passion and a love for the written word. They’re soulful lyrics and natural ease on the guitar set under the soft glow of changing colored lights created a relaxed atmosphere, a perfect start to the weekend.
Greenwood’s performance focused solely on the words and chords floating through the theatre. The sincerity in his voice resonated with the audience who listened intently and cheered throughout the night.
Featured Photo Credit: Alternative rock and soul singer-songwriter, Clarence Greenwood, aka Citizen Cope, during an intimate solo performance at Lincoln Theatre. After performing for little over a half hour, hardly saying anything to the audience, Greenwood remarked, “I’ve been trying to work on my in between songs banter, I’m not very good at it. I’ve been trying to learn some jokes.” (Cassie Osvatics/Bloc Reporter)
Katie Ebel is a sophomore journalism major and can be reached at katieebel@gmail.com.
