Metal Leaves Studio

Nothing compares to a New Mexican sunset. The colors, displayed in combinations only found in dreams, are rare throughout the rest of the country. So it was highly unusual that tonight, as the setting sun dropped down from its perch, that the midwestern sky was transformed into a scene from 'The Land of Enchantment.'

Zach Condant is familiar with those New Mexican sunsets. His journey into the music which would morph into his band- Beirut, started out within the confines of his Santa Fe bedroom. It  then expanded, trouabador-style, into the streets of Paris, Oaxaca, and wherever else he felt the desire to roam through.

These memories and experiences became inspiration for his albums, in which he tells stories that are heartbreaking yet wildly exuberant. Passionate  lyrics, often poetic, never contrived, cascade over the layers of instruments.  His earlier work stems from a naive inquisitiveness, laced with the interests of an old soul.

Strings of lights cascaded over the stage at The Royal Oak Music Theatre. Beirut took their places below them.  They came to rock this town, old world-style.

With his french horn tattoos peeking out from underneath his dark jacket-  the mastermind behind Beirut barreled into 'Scenic World.'  The voice that resonated throughout the historic theatre is that of an early David Byrne, although not as fully formed. In appearance, he calls to mind a young Beatle, namely Paul McCartney.

Beirut is serious musicianship, surrounded by tomfoolery and  banter. The haunting baritone, that booms when it wants to, is accompanied by an extremely talented bunch of boisterous musicians. All play a menagerie of instruments and perform with jubilance, interspersed with a choir of diverging voices.

And in the end, the band exits quietly, leaving Condon alone on stage. Much as he started out- a world away- by himself, alone in his room in New Mexico.