Jean-Michel Jarre – May 24th – 1stBank Center

Photos by Tim Dwenger

Last Wednesday night, a criminally sparse crowd at the 1stBank Center bore witness to one of the most impressive concert productions I’ve ever seen.  French electronic pioneer, Jean-Michel Jarre, has played to some of the biggest concert crowds in history (including an audience estimated at 3.5 million in Moscow in 1997) and minutes into his performance it was immediately clear why.  Jarre held back nothing in his production and delivered a full set of synth laden gems that clearly laid the groundwork for today’s EDM craze.

The fact that this was Jarre’s first full fledged tour of North America might have played into the paltry ticket sales, but I would imagine that it was also the fact that tickets were so pricey with the cheapest ticket in the room going for $60 before fees and tickets on the floor setting people back more than $130.  Despite the lack of a real “crowd” to speak of, Jarre put on a stadium worthy performance that showcased some of his best known pieces including “Oxygene IV,” alongside several tracks from his most recent albums including “Exit,” a track he collaborated on with Edward Snowden, and the opening duo of “The Heart of Noise” parts one and two.

This was an incredibly memorable night of music.  From where I was sitting Jarre even managed to make such potentially cheesy elements as a Keytar to a “Laser Harp,” oddly satisfying.  If this wizard ever mounts another tour of North America, do yourself a favor and pick up a ticket, you will not be disappointed.