“That place sucks.” Such recriminations roll off the tongue when music aficionados speak of amphitheatres. Ford Amp gets more than its share of scorn. Here’s news: Not all acts can perform in hipster clubs or tasteful theaters. Some acts need bigger spaces, and as far as we’re concerned, the Ford Amp is a first-rate venue at which to see a major show. It’s flexible enough to house crowds from 5,000 to 20,000. A portion of it is covered with assigned seats; the back section is a lawn under the stars. The sound dissolves into open air, making it easy on the ears. And the video screens provide good views for those not close to the stage. In all, a very effective setting for a concert. We think the slagging that the Ford Amp takes is simply knee-jerk nonsense.
This article appears in Sep 12-18, 2007.