Curiocity: Ritter Makes Orchestra Magic

I mean, he really loves it.

If it wasn't apparent by his constant bopping while on stage, it was sure obvious by the ear-to-ear grin he had plastered on his face for the entire 90-minute performance.

Good thing for Ritter, he's not alone.

When a performer's passion is literally oozing out of his pores, it's contagious. For the audience and in Thursday's case, for the Royal City Band and Ritter's other modest, little band -- the Minnesota Orchestra.

The addition of a talented, nationally successful orchestra can no doubt enhance any performer, but in the way of Mr. Ritter it seemed to not only enhance the music but bring an emotion to the songs that resulted in a goosebump response.

Each song had a new height and brighter depth. Every sound was amplified in a way that created a connection. Between the acoustics of the venue, the intensity of the strings and the quiet mellowness of Ritter's smooth vocals, it was everything.

Even Ritter himself seemed overwhelmed by the result.

"This is going great," he said, mid-bop. "I wish for you all to play with an orchestra sometime – especially this one."

And yes, Ritter is a total goof. He quipped about visiting the corn fields in South Dakota and calling it the crows' "edible" art. He accused the audience of dressing as if it were Hawaiian shirt day at the office and sure, he may have danced around the stage like a youngster who had one too many Yoo-Hoos, but it was refreshing. And it all added up to a wonderfully humble, honest performance.

This was especially apparent during his performance of "In the Dark," in which Ritter requested all the lights be fully dimmed – leaving the audience in a literal perception of the song, left to focus on each note sung from a non-mic'd up Ritter.

Ritter's voice has the power to either quietly soothe like in his performance of "Change of Time" or bring about an energetic folksy vibe – a la "Right Moves" – that makes you feel right at home. A combination between Samuel Beam of "Iron and Wine" and a slight Bob Dylan twang, Ritter has the potential to reach a wide audience with his charm, harmonies and lyrical innovation.

Which really is the whole concept of the series – bringing together a conglomeration of hipsters next to 60-somethings, mixing classic and contemporary and ending with a full audience finding a common ground.

Admittedly, I haven't been to the orchestra since a circa-6th grade field trip, even though I live across the street. A crime, no doubt. But I have to admit, the idea of a concert partnering with The Current seemed take a bit of the tension out of my reunion with the incredible venue.

Not that I find the orchestra dull or pretentious but let's just say having a familiar face helps me feel like I'm in the right place, since my only experience with an orchestra was when I "faked" my way through one year of playing the violin in mandatory middle school orchestra.

And now, I can safely say I've been missing out. The orchestra is powerful in its musical movement and combining that with a sincere performer is the perfect combination for a great evening.