See, That Wasn't So Hard: Yellow Umbrella Tour

By Jen Miller

Duncan Sheik did not want to sing "Barely Breathing." After charming the crowd at World Cafe Live with a set of lesser-known gems and then starting his encore with an acoustic "Hey Casanova" and "Mr. Chess," the elfish Sheik bantered with the band, who was still in the wings. Did he roll his eyes? Maybe. Nonetheless, he started an acoustic version of his best known song to the applause of the crowd.

Not that it's a bad song. The crowd at World Cafe Live, who packed the downstairs stage for the Yellow Umbrella Tour on the night of October 17, had been calling out for it. See, you can do that at World Cafe Live. If you haven't been, go. It's as intimate a setting as you can get in the city without getting beat up or stomped on, and you're up close and personal with the band. Sheik even gave it a so-printable-they-should-put-it-in-a-press-release-now shout out: "This place is awesome," he said. "You guys are the luckiest people in America." Thanks, Duncan. We know. The crowd's reply? "We can hardly breathe back here!" one woman called. Pun and suggestion obviously intended.

When it was over, guitarist Gerry Leonard, who joined in for the end of the song with the rest of the band, said to Sheik, "See, that wasn't so hard."

He might have rolled his eyes again, but the crowd was satisfied. And why not? It was a long night of good music for only $26, and one put together for a good cause. The Yellow Umbrella Tour rolls across the country to raise awareness for cervical cancer and HPV, the virus that causes it. There were plenty of shout outs for women to get tested, including a somewhat overblown video about Christine Baze, organizer of the event and cervical cancer survivor. She wasn't a bad musician herself, singing a six-song set right before Sheik came out, but the video was still a bit much for our stomachs, which had just been filled with WCL's delectable treats they serve before and during the show.

Baze's story is important, but she was outplayed by the first act of the night, Sarah Bettens, who opened the show with a six-song set that included a powerful version of "Not an Addict," which she had released as part of K's Choice. Her folksy voice, deeply personal ballads and commanding stage presence quieted an audience that even she said was being so polite that she thanked us. Well, Ms. Bettens, you are welcome. Thank you for coming to town.

The second act, David Poe -- well, he was someone to love or hate. We don't doubt that he's got skills when it comes to singing and songwriting, but he was antsy. He fiddled with the pedals, he fiddled with his guitar, he played over looping music that had feedback recorded in it that, at one point, had us holding our ears. Not a good thing.

Imagine our disappointment, then, when he joined Sheik for a few songs. The two say they're going to put out an album together, though who could believe what came out of the mouth of a guy who's new song is "The Pornographer"? We really would have better things to say about Poe if he hadn't tried to hog the stage when he came out to do a few songs with Sheik, but he did, so we'll stop.

Angst against "Barely Breathing" aside, Sheik put on a good show. He's a contrast, really. His songs and his voice, are strong, strange and clear, but as soon as he'd finished a song, he'd give a bright smile through the scruffy beard and mustache, wiping away the emotion his work can so easily draw. He hasn't put out a full album since 2002, but he gave a preview last night of White Limousine, which will drop in January. Please excuse us for the pun, but we are barely breathing in anticipation.