LIVE REVIEW — Postmodern Jukebox at Ruth Eckerd Hall (April 15, 2023)

by Christina Wright • April 19, 2023

You know a show is about to take you somewhere when the MC tells you to buckle up and get ready for a trip. A trip back in time. A time where things were simple, jazzy and classy. Scott Bradley’s Postmodern Jukebox took us on a journey of familiarity and style. With a total of eleven talented artists on stage, and countless folks back stage, this was sure to be a performance. Singer and five time Grammy winner, Sarah Potenza, kicked us off with a tremendous start as she bellowed to the crowd adorned in hot pink from head to toe. “Potenza is to blues what Adele is to pop,” according to Rolling Stone Magazine, and I would not disagree. She had a sense of humor, and a confidence that made us all want to embody our true inner divas. Rogelio Douglas Jr., the MC, moved us right along to another truly talented singer, Olivia Harris. We were yet again blown away by an astounding voice. There was a chill in the air.

Postmodern Jukebox Tickets Clearwater 2023

The Postmodern Jukebox typically covers popular songs with a swinging jazzy feel. Covering all genres of music from KISS to Miley Cyrus. The full band is comprised of six musicians, from all over the world, some playing multiple instruments. The dynamics of the piano, guitar, banjo, bass, saxophone, clarinet, trombone and drums allowed all the sounds and songs to be explored and enhanced.

Demi Remick added a whimsical and unique touch to the performance. Her tap dancing skills and rhythm had everyone intently following alon, trying to keep up with her speed and technique. I personally appreciated the Super Mario Brother’s theme songs as she acted out the jumps and coin punches.

The whole band played along with the dialogue between sets and were interactive with each other and the audience throughout their performance. Ruth Eckerd Hall has assigned seating, but by the end of the show, everyone was up out of their seat dancing and singing.

Rogelio Douglas Jr. truly was the master of this ceremony. He introduced himself as an MC, but had a voice that was breathtaking and dance moves that would have you grinning and clapping. Rogelio kept the audience engaged and did a wonderful job introducing all the musicians and performers.

The evening ended with the song “All About the Bass,” originally by Meghan Trainer. This iconic song was a great ending to such a one of a kind show. All 4 singers, Rogelio Douglas Jr., Sarah Potenza, Olivia Harris and Stella Cole joined in on the fun. Rogelio ended the show with sweet sentiments about the true importance of live music and made note of the universality that music has and create. No matter who you are or where you are from live music has a way of connecting us. It was not just about PMJ, but about the music itself. We all need to keep that notion alive. It was clear how much the audience appreciated this performance, and the love of live music.