Ripe
The Regent Theater101 West 5th Street, Los Angeles 90013
Ripe comes to The Regent Theater in Downtown Los Angeles on December 4. The available listing identifies the bill simply as Ripe, with no supporting details about the evening's format, guests, supporting performers, special theme or release attached to this date. Expect the Boston band's vocal-led full ensemble rather than a billed solo appearance: its documented lineup includes vocals, two guitars, bass, drums, trumpet, EWI and trombone.
Based in Boston, Massachusetts, Ripe is a pop band influenced by jazz, soul and rock. Frontman Robbie Wulfsohn is joined in the band's documented lineup by Tory Geismar and Jon Becker on guitars and vocals, Nadav Shapira on bass, Josh Shpak on trumpet and EWI, Calvin Barthel on trombone, and Sampson Hellerman on drums. Earlier recordings also credit saxophone, Hammond organ and group vocals. Audiotree describes Wulfsohn's presence as “fearless and joyously inviting,” with the aim to “get the crowd moving”; Ripe has said it sought to capture “the energy and electricity of a live show” on Hey Hello. Its track “Strangers” features Cory Wong.
The Regent’s story as a 1914 movie house is still visible in its proscenium arch and surviving plasterwork, now framing a concert room with a sloping floor and second-floor mezzanine. Most shows are ticketed and standing-room only, though occasional seated events are marked as first come, first served; check your event listing for its format and door time, and buy ahead for popular dates, since some sell out. The room is set up for live music, with the mezzanine offering another view of the stage. Before the show, you can get wood-fired pizza and other bites at Prufrock Pizzeria inside the venue, or drinks at the attached Love Song bar. The Regent is on South Main Street in Downtown’s Bank District, a short walk from Pershing Square station.