Kevin Bronson on February 27th, 2009

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By Monica Alvarez

The Bird and the Bee, Melanoid, Stacy Clark and DJ Rob TV helped promoter Dennis Lluy re-open the doors of the historic Yost Theatre in downtown Santa Ana last night.”  The bands played to an enthusiastic and young crowd that filled the room.

In the past, the theater showcased Mexican cinema and hosted performers such as Mexican singer Pedro Infante, but last night was for the youth of Orange County. In between bands, DJ Rob TV spun a little Phoenix and Stone Roses on vinyl while the place buzzed with excitement. Local pop darlings Stacy Clark had the charm and the fog machine on full blast, flirting with the crowd and getting everyone pumped for the rest of the night. Melanoid, celebrating the release of their new album, “Asleep in the Wake,” battled feedback for much of the set but bounced back quickly.

The dance party really took off when The Bird and the Bee hit the stage – the kids in O.C. aren’t inhibited when it comes to that. Balloons bounced on the stage as the duo boogied through their set. Inara George showered the crowd with a few birthday dedications and played plenty from their new release “Ray Guns Are Just Not the Future,” but they really brought down the house with a cover of Hall and Oates’ “I Can’t Go For That.””  The crowd attempted the Electric Slide, but failing at that they just shrugged, danced and professed their love for the band between songs.

The upstairs balcony offers the best seats in the house (but be careful with the steps, because it’s a little dark and I managed to trip repeatedly). Although the venue sells beverages, it does not offer any snacks or food. If you do happen to get hungry, get yourself a large pepperoni or cheese pizza at La Pizza Loca for $4.99 just two doors down from the theatre. Yes, a large pizza for $4.99.”  And you get to eat it outside on picnic benches under a canopy of lights.

Monica Alvarez is a Buzz Bands correspondent and head honcho at Kill the Microphone.