Grooving bodies brought energy and passion to Taylor St Quarters on Saturday night as local band Grand Casual executed an electrifying, intimate gig.
The trio featuring Esperance music legend Kyron Smithson (Kyza) on the mic, drummer Joe Franzone and guitarist Matt Cooper, took to the stage at 10pm.
But the crowd of all ages had been working up a sweat since seven, with some feel-good folk by Matty McIntyre, alternative rock from Car Park Social (duo) and rock n’ roll from Arthur Stuart.
The stage was illuminated by flashing hues of pink and blue with fairy lights draped around the ceiling, which provided a chilled yet party-like atmosphere.
The musicians played original numbers, some of which had quite personal meaning.
“That song was actually about moving out of my house. I really wasn’t happy about it,” McIntyre said.
Grand Casual stuck to their classics.
“We’re just playing some back catalogue stuff really, nothing too outlandish I guess,” Kyza said.
His songs may not have been out of the ordinary, but Kyza’s stage presence and crowd engagement was exciting to witness.
“We’re definitely keen for a bit of a boogie,” he said while addressing the audience.
Kyza jumped about on stage and weaved his way through dancers. At times, it seemed the beers had gotten to his head as he lay exhausted on the stage steps.
But the crowd could not get enough.
“One more song” reverberated around the restaurant, as Kyza lay face-up on stage, mic in hand, shirt unbuttoned halfway and beads of sweat dripping from his forehead.
“You don’t have to worry guys, we’ve got about six more,” Kyza assured everyone.
This was met by loud cheers.
Esperance local and long-time Grand Casual supporter Curtis Mayfield was front and centre for Grand Causal’s entire set.
“I love them. I think they are an absolutely killer act,” Mayfield said.
The free live-music gig was organised by Kyza’s music production company, Kyza Presents.
