Music Review: Gwen Stefani commands the stage at Sleep Train Amphitheatre

By SPENCER K. ROUSE - The Buzz

MARYSVILLE -- It's a wonderful thing to have a Shoreline Amphitheater junior in the North Valley. It allows us to see incredible shows without the 3-hour drive. This was particularly the case Monday night when the nuevo couture and L.A. street style that is the Gwen Stefani Sweet Escape tour came to Sleep Train Amphitheatre.
Just before show time, one of Stefani's famed Harujuku Girls scampered along the runway that separates the lawn area from the seats, followed by a bright spotlight, indicating an inclusiveness that ran through the concert.

This show included several outfit and set changes. There were also large video projections, tastefully done without being overbearing.

Stefani's performance began with an upper stage, which suspended her band, splitting in two and separating, revealing a mock jail with Stefani inside. Emerging in a striped outfit, Stefani and her kicking band broke into "The Sweet Escape," with rapper and tour-mate Akon joining in among a stage full of dancers.

The opening number brought the crowd quick to its feet as girls of all ages, dressed like their idol, began to sing out the lyrics. Even though the evening was muggy, Stefani and the crowd would not be deterred.

Stefani could do no wrong as she alternated between big productions numbers and '80's new-wave-inspired tracks in which she would take a front-stage solo. As she roamed and bounced from side to side of the stage, Stefani embraced the audience, thanking them and commenting

how wonderful and bizarre it all was to see so many fans. It may seem hard to imagine but there was a genuine sense of humility and sincerity as this sweet "Orange County" girl adopted the Nor-Cal feeling.
After the first number, the band dropped the tempo and went straight into her hit, "Rich Girl," as the Harujuku Girls threw down some great steps. The first part of the show came off like a huge Broadway opening, complete with a large lit "G" suspended over the stage.

Later in the set, the band's talents were put on point. Stefani brought the much-hyped opening into a show-stopping performance of the somber "Early Winter." The stage lights dropped, the band was highlighted in blue and a projection of falling lights gently cascaded like snow as Stefani commanded the stage.

When she left the stage for another change of outfit, the band carried on, including a stellar vocal performance by bass player and former David Bowie touring bassist/vocalist, Gail Ann Dorsey.

Stefani then went back to the big numbers, including "Wind it Up," "Danger Zone" and "Hollaback Girl," with the crowd yelling the lyric, "B-A-N-A-N-A-S."

As the show neared conclusion, Stefani ran up the left side of the amphitheater, through the seats, accompanied by former No Doubt-ers Gabe McNair and Stephen Bradley. They proceeded up to the railing of the lawn. Stefani had minimal pretenses as she stood on the railing, hugged by preteens and announcing to the crowd she wanted everyone to sing the next song, "Cool." as loud as possible. The crowd obliged.

Stefani's band continually hit the mark with great instrumentation, including the horns, keys, percussion -- the drummer was phenomenal -- and keyboardist who added to the '80s vibe with a skinny tie and shoulder-strapped red keyboard.

After several periods of pounding on the seats and chants of "Gwen, Gwen, Gwen," Stefani and band returned to the stage for a two-song encore. First was an intimate version of "The Real Thing," followed by the finalé, "What You Waiting For?" in which Stefani pulled a young man out of the crowd to share the stage and final bow.

Akon preceded Stefani with a short set, with drummer, bassist and turntablist performing in the heat a well-received set that included his hits "Mr. Lonely" and "Mama Afrika."

Quick-paced British rapper Lady Sovereign opened the show.

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