The Raymond Digiorgio Group
Show review
Cane's - Mission Beach, San Diego

June 5th 2003

By Kate Moodie, SDAM Staff Writer
©Copyright 2024 SDAM.com/Kate Moodie
I admit I don't make it out to Canes too often - but now I know why. It was "the usual" thirty-something crowd full of those women you'd never want to run into if you've had too much to drink. They started out innocent enough - but by the time RDG finally took the stage they had managed to single out one lucky loser who had his pick at the end of the night! Fortunately, I was there for the entertainment onstage and frankly glad to be an objective observer rather than active contender in "The Battle of the Hairspray Rejects."

It took a couple of FIVE dollar BEERS (these kinds of places like to kick you when you're down) before I loosened up enough to listen to the two bands showcasing before my main guys and let me just tell you I was glad to catch a good look at what Crown 10 could do on a cold stage after the act they followed!

So a few FIVE dollar BEERS later, I was struck by the energy that took the stage next. Lead guitarist Ray DiGiorgio brought the scene to a whole new level when he came out of nowhere with his guitar and sunglasses. Never before have I seen so much energy come out of a guitar, not only was he getting the now decently uninhibited crowd roaring, but his technical skills left me speechless. Almost immediately, everyone in the place lit up as if this was the reason they put on their good shoes and their best "look how cool I am that I came to this small place for this unknown band before they make it big- hairdo." It wasn't long before the atmosphere at this venue transformed from mellow money pit, to "I hope the rest of the weekend can keep this momentum going!"

I didn't stay long after they got off stage and I had a chance to speak with a few of them in person as the next band was setting up. I wasn't interested - talk about a hard act to follow! DiGiorgio has the kind of energy and love of performing for an audience that too often gets lost amidst advancing technology and multi-media effects. He has a raw-edge stage presence that you can't help but admire. Great show!

Learn more about each of these bands and their upcoming shows:
The Raymond Digiorgio Group
Crown 10