Reviews: DNCE, Sting, Adam Ant, Twenty One Pilots, Valerie June, Beck

Today’s collection of critical appraisals includes DNCE’s performance in Bethlehem, Sting’s Valentine Day’s gig in Denver, Adam Ant in Chicago, Twenty One Pilots in Fresno, Valerie June in Columbus, and Beck in Hollyood. 

DNCE @ Sands Bethlehem Event Center in Bethlehem, Pa., Feb. 4 – “Just when it seemed as if there would be too much funk, DNCE slowed it down for a mid-show, largely acoustic, three-song mini-set, sitting on stools. ‘Why not save the best for last,’ Jonas said, noting it was the last night of the tour.” – John J. Moser / The Morning Call 

Jon Olav Nesveld / NTB Scanpix – Sting
“The Nobel Peace Prize Concert,” Telenor Arena, Fornebu, Norway

Sting @ Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, Colo., Feb. 14 – “The end of the evening came with the most savory moments so far, including ‘Walking On The Moon,’ ‘Message In A Bottle’ and the tantalizing ‘Desert Rose.’ At just around 11 p.m., nostalgia was everywhere; and romance was in the air for what turned out to be one of the more interesting, amusing and overall epic Valentine’s Days I’ve experienced to date.” – Emma Jerry / 303 Magazine

Adam Ant @ Vic Theatre in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 31 – “Prancing onstage looking like Captain Jack Sparrow’s naughtier brother, Ant was gussied up as the Dandy Highwayman of yore, kick-starting the set with ‘Dog Eat Dog’ and fan favorite ‘Antmusic,’ sliding and two-stepping across the stage. Bassist Joe Holweger and guitarist Will Crewdson made sure the songs retained the teeth of the original recordings, while drummers Andy Woodard and the always supremely coiffed Jola kept the Burundi beats pumping.” – Jim Ousley / PlayBack:stl 

Twenty One Pilots @ Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif., Feb. 14 – “As we neared the two-hour mark of the Twenty One Pilots Tuesday night concert at Save Mart Center, singer-songwriter Tyler Joseph told the crowd, ‘This is a Valentine’s Day I won’t soon forget, my friends,’ then launched into the final song of the night, ‘Trees.’” – Kathy Mahin / Fresno Bee

Matt Sayles / Invision / AP – Tyler Joseph of Twenty One Pilots
American Music Awards, Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles, Calif.

Valerie June @ A&R Music Bar in Columbus, Ohio, Feb. 13 – “June began the encore—‘Somebody To Love,’ dedicated to Valentine’s Day—quietly, accompanying herself on an adorable baby banjo. Unsurprisingly, though, the song ended in a raucous celebration.” – Curtis Schieber / The Columbus Dispatch

Beck @ Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, Calif., Feb. 10 – “At the end of the night, when Beck shouted ‘I’ve found some friends tonight,’ the sentiment rang true. He and his band had turned out a brilliant performance, entertaining everyone with their stellar music and most importantly, connecting deeply with their fans and the community at large.” – Lillian Tsao / Daily Trojan