The first thing learned at Xavier Rudd's July 5th concert at the Jubilee Auditorium is that his shows are a spiritual experience. The guy has an incredibly diverse fan base, ranging from early 20's to middle age, and many of them are also exceedingly good looking. Seriously, the lobby was filled with hippies and hotties that defied description. The second thing learned was that said fan base is so into the experience of Xavier Rudd that even as a first timer, you can't help but get caught up in the party.

The third lesson was one I expected from listening to his Dark Shades of Blue Album - that Xavier Rudd is an incredibly talented musician. It is difficult enough to play the didgeridoo - an Australian wood instrument. Add on to the fact that Rudd plays guitar at the same time, so I couldn't help but watch in awe of his skill. He moved smoothly from percussion to guitar to didgeridoo while being supported by South African musicians Tio Moloantoa on bass and Andile Nqubezelo on drums. Songs were often quite long, with lengthy solos interspersed. It was very evident that the trio was having a great time on stage, as they always had huge grins on their faces throughout the whole two and a half hour show.

The packed Auditorium really added to the show. Fans sang along, danced in the aisles, waived their arms in the air, and clapped along. Many seemed enthralled with Rudd as if he were a preacher at a Baptist revival. Rudd's music carries a message of peace, love, and caring for the world - hippie music through and through - and the fans ate up every word.

Rudd himself fed off the incredible energy in the room, dancing around on stage and down the aisle, inviting two girls on stage to dance, and shaking hands with the front row. He is as engaging a performer as he is a songwriter. He turned the Jubilee Auditorium into a trip to the Australian bush, and it was easy to escape into a different world. Xavier Rudd’s music is an experience, about as unique as the bushy little Australian “hobbit” himself.