Thursday, July 16, 1998

'N-thusiasm 'N-velops 'N Sync

Getting tickets to last night's sold out 'N Sync concert at Centennial Hall just wasn't enough for some fans.

A few dozen turned out as early as 8 a.m. for prime spots at the general admission show and by 5 p.m., about 500 fans, almost all girls aged 12 to 15, were lined up for two blocks.

"Slowly ladies," a security guard warned the crowd as they were funneled into the venue at about 6:30 p.m. "If you pass me or I see you pushing or shoving you'll go to the back of the line."

Inside, the crowd was concerned with only one thing -- getting as close as possible to J.C., Justin, Joey, Chris and Lance. After 10 minutes, the floor of the hall was filled with seated kids, giving the impression of an elementary school auditorium.

But at the first sight of a roadie moving across the stage, the entire crowd scrambled to its feet, screaming as it stampeded to the front. Suddenly, the back half of the hall was almost empty and remained that way for the rest of the night.

When the house lights dimmed at around 7:30 p.m., the crowd let out a deafening, high-pitched scream and crushed forward even more, oblivious to the pleas of security to give the people at the front some space.

Opening act N-TYCE hit the stage in pin-striped zoot suits and fedoras, posing and voguing amid choreographed dance sequences.

The sound for the band's set was tinny, but all you really needed to hear were the pre-recorded kick and snare drum patterns over which the four women sang R&B-flavored harmonies.

The crowd responded appreciatively during the 20 miute set, but everyone was really there to see 'N Sync.

In between sets, a few of the fans at the front retreated, but the crush only barely subsided.

Toward the back, Alyssa Whelan, 12, and Kaiti Baxter, 12, were the envy of their friends. The two got to meet 'N Sync earlier in the day, thanks to Whelan's father, who works for the security company guarding the band's bus.

The two were thrilled after getting a chance to hug Lance and Justin.

"They were really sweet and nice," said Whelan. "And hot!"

As each of the member's microphones was checked with a mention of their name, the crowd erupted again and the crush to the front was back on.

Half-a-dozen kids had to be hauled out of the front row as things got a bit too tight even before the band hit the stage, and when it finally did at around 8:30, another dozen were being helped out.

Walking on in white spacesuits, complete with helmets, the members did a couple of quick dance steps before the first song began and then tore off the suits, bouncing and strutting around the stage to the delight of the crowd.

As the five members settled into a synchronized dance routine, they only barely managed to avoid tripping over the teddy bears and flowers that were thrown onto the stage.

CROWD FAVORITE

During the first song, each member stepped to the front of the stage to take a lead, eliciting the loudest screams yet -- especially for Justin.
The first 15 minutes set the tone, with super-slick dance-pop numbers and R&B touches.

Three songs in, the members walked across the stage in sequence, crooning lightly to the delight of the crowd and introducing themselves.

"I hope you have the energy to keep up with us," said Justin, who again drew the loudest screams.

All five returned to the stage for an a cappella medley of Bee Gees' songs, including Jive Talking and How Deep Is Your Love, a move which seemed to win points with the parents and proved that yes, they really can sing.

But it was the up-tempo material that drew the best response, as the members bounced around the stage in tightly choreographed dance routines, proving that they can dance too -- or at least strut really well.

And there was no question they knew exactly how to play the crowd, providing just enough pelvic thrusts amid the ernest and squeaky-clean production.

"How many people out there have someone in their lives that drives them absolutely crazy," Chris asked coyly, to yet another chorus of screams.

"Well I know we do. It's London because you guys have been great."

Set List