Before the show began, Daniel Bedingfield was trying to get the crowd in the right frame of mind. Usually, Hotel Cafe audiences are treated to singer/songwriters who remain still on the tiny stage. So, it was understandable they were timid at first to Bedingfield’s request to ditch the chairs they were sitting on and come closer to the stage. It wasn’t until he took matters in his own hands and physically cleared the floor that people understood this wouldn’t be a typical stripped-down performance.

Right from the start, with a backing band ready to support, Bedingfield kept the energy high, encouraging audience participation, and even jumped into the tightly packed crowd several times. Blending melodic pop and at other times traces of funk, he tackled a wide range of musical styles and techniques, proving the Hotel Cafe is capable of hosting a boisterous show every once and awhile. Photos by Leslie Kalohi

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