Christian Kane Wows Portland

Those who live in the Pacific Northwest are used to rain, so some passing showers weren't going to stop the line from forming outside Dante's in Portland, Oregon on a recent Saturday night. Those who showed up more than three hours before the doors opened huddled under the awning while others shared their own umbrellas or those that the kind folks who work at the club grabbed from the lost and found.

Many of the early arrivals either knew or recognized one another from previous shows, so conversation flowed easily. There was even the sharing of cupcakes in celebration of someone's birthday. Newcomers were made welcome and it wasn't long before the line stretched down the block.

So, what performer was responsible for bringing all these people together? It was none other than Kane, the band fronted by Christian Kane, currently one of the stars of the hit TNT show, Leverage. Founded in 1998 by Christian and fellow guitarist, Steve Carlson, Kane became an LA phenomenon, getting airplay from country radio and playing to sold out crowds in such hot spots as The Viper Room and The Mint. Christian and Steve also started making regular trips to Nashville where they collaborated with some of the best songwriters in the industry.

Though the party had started on the sidewalk, the doors finally opened and the crowd made its way inside. A large group immediately took over the front of the stage while others opted for the few stools that lined the two bars in the room. It was still an hour before show time, but with drinks flowing and new people to talk to, the good time continued.

But at 9:30, the stage lights were still off and the crowd was getting antsy because they wanted their band. Finally, Christian and Steve came out without preamble, garnering a passionate ovation from their fans. Christian good-naturedly blamed the delay on drummer Ryan Baker, claiming he was late as drummers tend to be, so the duo had decided to perform an acoustic version of a song they'd written years before. By the time they got to the end of One More Shot, the other three musicians had joined them, being greeted with the same enthusiasm as their bandmates received.

Though Christian is the lead singer, he's not the only attraction. Steve Carlson has his share of loyal fans who own one or more of his solo albums and guitarist Jason Southard, bass player Will Amend and Ryan, the tardy drummer, are definitely loved by the crowd as well. Jason arguably has the best hair in the band and his passion for the music cannot be denied. His energetic solos are rewarded by explosive applause that brings a wide smile to his face. Will and Ryan aren't as outgoing as the others, but they're no less appreciated.

These guys definitely know what they're doing, and no doubt there's quite a lot of planning involved in every performance, but they aren't tied down. They take their cue from the audience; soaking up the energy and emotion of their fans and throwing it back out to the room. It's no secret that the boys enjoy themselves and their good time is infectious.

But it can't go on forever. After a solid performance of fan-favorites, it was time to say goodnight. First, however, Christian introduced Leverage cast-mate Timothy Hutton announcing that the Oscar-award winning actor will be directing the video for The House Rules. Hutton explained his vision for the video and invited everyone to come back for the June 12 concert and shoot. There was one more surprise as another Leverage star, Aldis Hodge, joined them on stage for a few words.

If you're a fan of Southern rock, and can get to Portland, Kane is definitely worth checking out. Tickets are available at Dante's box office or online at TicketsWest. And don't think you'll be the only one from out of town as there are people from all over the country - and the world - at every show.