The Greeting Committee and Oston: Live From the Troubadour

Photo by Rebecca Bloch

This past Tuesday, February 22nd, it was freezing in Los Angeles. There was no sunlight to be seen and winds were blowing up to 20 miles per hour. My teeth were chattering at an alarming rate while I was standing in line outside the Troubadour. Even when I finally made it inside the venue, I had a few lingering shivers.

The warmth came shortly after singer-songwriter Oston (“like Boston without the B”) started her opening set. Oston is a spunky pop-rock artist with a particular knack for relatability destined to make every single listener and audience member fall head over heels in love with her. The punch of the bass and the power of the guitar had already begun to bring the heat. But it wasn’t until the break between songs that my heart began to feel the true warmth radiating from the music.

Instead of jumping into the next song on the setlist, keeping the energy flowing, Oston took a beat to share with the audience the true story behind the song. She said that she wrote the song in a state of panic. She had fallen in love with someone she believed could be perfect. However, she was consumed by the fear of the relationship, this seemingly perfect relationship would someday end. Oston explained to us that the fear of heartbreak was ALMOST enough to keep her from letting herself go completely. But now, the boy she wrote the song about “is playing bass in my band!” She turned towards the cute overall-clad base player, a smile on her face stretching from ear to ear. I swear that boy's face turned redder than a tomato. I think mine was somehow redder. It was so sweet and surprising. It added a level of humanity and magic and romance that I don’t often see at a dingy LA rock club.

All of the chills of the windy night air left my body at that very moment. For the rest of the night, I felt warm and fuzzy. I danced with more vigor than I had in months despite not knowing the songs. Oston had an air about her that was so welcoming and cheerful. Every song spoke directly to my soul. It was almost therapeutic in that way. By the end of her set, I felt the same level of comfort and warmth that I do when I get into bed before a good night’s sleep. That warmth carried me throughout the quiet anticipation before the headlining act.

Funny enough, the Greeting Committee actually had their very own greeting committee. Just when we thought the band was about to perform, two charmingly dorky, ex-theatre-kid-esq individuals moseyed up towards the center stage. In a full camp-counselor level volume, the two welcomed the crowd, shouting dad joke after dad joke until the entire club was erupting with laughter. After their brief, yet still completely hilarious, introductions, the two asked the crowd if there was anyone there that was “gay on a date.” They scanned the crowd and asked every couple to tell their story. It was such a wholesome and cute way to start the show.

Then The Greeting Committee, the band I mean, took the stage. And it was epic. The band consisted of lead singer Addison Sartino, guitarist Brandon Yangmi, saxophonist/bassist Pierce Turcotte, drummer Micah Ritchie, and guitarist/bassist Noah Spencer. Each looked like they just came out of the Crossroads Trading Post in Santa Monica. The indie vibes were overwhelming. But these weren’t just your typical oat-milk-drinking, plant-loving, thrift-shopping indie bros. These guys were full-blown virtuosos.

They played each song with vigor and passion, re-electrifying the audience with every progressive note hit. Lead Singer Addison Sartino especially seemed to have a special influence over the crowd. Every little movement she made was greeted with a roar of applause and support from the audience. Whenever Sartino clapped the audience clapped. Whenever Sartino swayed back and forth the audience swayed back and forth. And whenever Sartino turned the mic out towards the audience, the audience sang back to her a the top of their lungs. During one song, Sartino even jumped off the stage and into the crowd to jump and mosh along with us. She broke down every barrier she could between artist and audience. With every action, with every note, Sartino asserted that this isn’t just a concert, this is a community event. This was a moment of unity.

The other members shine just as bright. Guitarist Brandon Yangmi played with hyperactive energy. He regularly dipped in towards the crowd, playing insane riffs triggering screams of adoration from the crowd (especially the ladies). Bassist Pierce Turcotte took me by surprise when he handed his bass off to Sartino and whipped out a tenor sax from the ether. Homie was wailing away, the sound of the sax soaring over across the club leaving me utterly floored. Honestly, why doesn’t every band have a saxophone? Those things are sexy as hell.

Sadly, my night ended a bit earlier than intended due to some external issues, but before I had to leave the Troubadour I got to witness The Greeting Committee break into an explosive jam break. Band members were shredding, screaming, bouncing, and even trading instruments mid-set. The crowd had gone completely feral. I left the venue drenched in sweat, completely buzzing with adrenaline. It was a truly awesome night.