NFV Song Spotlight: Tino Drima's Life on the Patio

As soon as the band Tino Drima started to set up their gear on the Zebulon stage, the crowd pressed close. The night was dedicated (I'm assuming) to songs that will appear on an upcoming record. After playing an unreleased song called "Mixed Tape," the audience was told, "I've been working on a new record. It's taken many years of doing a little bit at a time." 

Tino Drima at Zebulon

The set started off with "Pismo," which has a vocal introduction that reminds me of classic 80s alt rock hits. "The Actress" which the band has already released on their Suitin' Up EP has a fun interaction between the keys and cowbells. It got the crowd dancing. 

The band is fronted by Gregory DiMartino and a large 6 piece band, which a person in the crowd noticed, "When did your band get so big, man?" DiMartino responded, "Yes, I have a big ass band, you all." The band included the opener for the night, Cesar Maria on guitar. DiMartino returned the favor by backing up Cesar Maria on keys during that set. The band also included a bassist, two keyboardist, a drummer, and a percussionist (who played the cowbells with great enthusiasm). 

Tino Drima at Zebulon

"The Actress" wasn't the only song that got the crowd dancing. The final song of the set "Hit Me Just a Little" had the perfect chill vibes that got people dancing.  The clock was pass 11 p.m. at this point, but the audience wasn't going to let the band go. They yelled repeated for an encore. Finally the band relented and played a slowed down melodic version of "Lucky" by Britney Spears.   

Tino Drima at Zebulon

What do I think was the song of the set?  "Life on the Patio." It harkens back to the song "On My Own" by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald. Wait, seriously? Yes. In fact, Michael McDonald joins in on the recorded version to create a crooner classic. Unfortunately, he did not show up on this particular night at the Zebulon. 

Tino Drima at Zebulon

I've never lived in a house or apartment with a patio, but I've seen enough episodes of The Andy Griffith Show to imagine how life is with a patio. Also, a friend used to throw parties at his house in Echo Park that had a patio. Of course, that patio would get a bit tight with the human bodies.   

Life on the patio
Dream into night with the rest of us
Every day of your life and it's good enough

Setlist: Pismo, Bad Boy, French Disco, Mixed Tape, I Need Things, The Actress, Life on the Patio, Girl Who Can Fly, Hit Me Just a Little. Encore: Lucky (Britney Spears cover).