Fresno Famous

When Audiafauna played Fresno last October, the band got rave reviews. It's easy to see why.

Singer Kelly Koval is a siren, with a voice that big, evocative and powerful. She floats around stage in a sheer white dress while the band plays songs that are grand and themeatic in a way that is popular these days (think Florence & the Machine, etc.). In the best moments of the show she wailed through foot-stopming blues numbers.   

In an intimate setting I'm sure it plays well. Unfortunately, the band lacked low end (with no bass player or real drum set) and there were times during the show (especially when the violin and chello players retreated to the back to add percussion), when the band seemed swallowed up by the vastness of the outdoor venue. 

This isn't a slight to the band, or even the event, which seemed well attended (I'd set the number at 150 or so, though it's hard to tell) and well produced. Along with the band, there was food from Dusty Buns (always hit), dance from the Fresno Dance Collective and live demonstrations from the Fresno State Print Club. They were out custom T-shirts.

The show was part of Arte Americas Nights in the Plaza series. If you haven't been to the weekly concert series, it's worthwhile. This week check out Luz Maria.