SOURCE:  http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040317/1000842.asp

03-17-04

Puddle of Mudd enjoys live performances.

NIAGARA FALLS - Niagara Falls was taken by storm Friday night as popular rock band Puddle of Mudd played at the

Dome Theater at 1713 Main St.

Several hundred fans were treated to an outstanding performance by the group as it played a two-hour set, without intermission, of songs from both its new and old hit albums, "Life on Display" and "Come Clean." Much to the crowd's delight, the band sounded as good live as it does on CD performing songs such as "Control," "Away From Me," "Blurry" and "Cloud 9."

After the concert, lead singer Wesley Scantlin was happy to share a little about himself and the band. He's performed in four different bands since he was 11 years old. When asked what he likes about the young audiences he plays for, he said he likes "the rebellious spirit that they have and how enthusiastic they are about the group. I kind of like to call these hard-core fans my "Mudd Heads.' " Scantlin says his band currently performs under the Flawless Records Company Label and has played with rock superstars like Fred Durst and Jimmy Page.

The band's strong performance was aided by the many improvements that have been recently made to the theater under new management. New lighting, an improved sound system, increased security and an overall cleaner facility have transformed the Dome Theater into a concert destination in Niagara Falls. The Dome is a relatively large building with two floors that can hold up to 2,200 people. The first floor is the general admissions floor, with no seats, known as "the pit." Here, concertgoers can get up close to the stage. The second floor, like a wall-to-wall balcony, is set back from the stage. This spacious area with seating is called the VIP lounge for those who want to sit back and enjoy the show from afar. Co-owner Mike Rainero said he and his partner have begun booking other well-known bands including Finger Eleven, Trapt and Smile Empty Soul this Saturday. "I feel that all of these theater changes and future bookings will help bring some life back into this joint!" Rainero said. Find ticket information at www.ticketmaster.com

Upcoming concerts include:

March 27, Thursday.

May 13, the Strokes.

May 16, Dashboard Confessional and Thrice.

Brian Michel is a freshman at Niagara Catholic.