While Counting Crows and Maroon 5 are similar bands from a general genre standpoint, expect more contrasts than similarities from this dual-bill show. Unlike Maroon 5, the Crows haven't scored a hit single in many a year, but they're a more seasoned concert outfit. Frontman Adam Duritz and company take a lot of liberties, sometimes drastically reshaping tunes for the stage. His free-flowing stage presence is another asset. The last time the band played Tampa Bay, also at FordAmp, their set was largely subdued — ultimately a bit too much so — with only a few uptempo songs. Still, it's refreshing to find a pop band with an improvisational sensibility. Who knows? This night's Crows set might be a barnburner. I've never seen Maroon 5, but my strong impression is that they're a far more scripted act, and will stick rather closely to the recorded versions of their tunes.
Counting Crows and Maroon 5 w/Augustana, Fri., Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa. Livenation.com, $51.50-$162.50; lawn seats $41.50.
This article appears in Oct 1-7, 2008.