The National – Orpheum Theatre – November 28, 2011
Playing the first of a sold out two night stand in the beautiful Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver, The National had the audience standing for nearly two hours as they hung on every note sung by lead Matt Berninger.
Playing against a massive video backdrop the band were often stylishly silhouetted as the septet from Ohio performed songs from their five studio albums. The surprisingly male dominated audience crowded the stage to be closer to their musical idols. The band members clearly seemed to enjoy themselves and it showed as they brought a fun energy in between songs. During the set Berninger and
brothers, Aaron and Bryce Dessner chatted amongst themselves and to the audience, clearly more to entertain themselves while letting the audience in on their random ramblings.
Later in the evening Berninger ventured into the audience, and went walkabout across the theatre, presumably much to the chagrin of the poor tech who was trying to keep the mic cable from getting 
caught in the audience. The singer roamed through the crowd and across the armrests of seats, tumbling over many, the closeness bringing the audience in to the show even more. Capping off the show was an amazing acoustic rendition of Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks, with all five band members plus the horn section standing on the edge of the stage completely unplugged. What a great way to wrap up the set!
The National play one more night, Tuesday November 29, in Vancouver at the Orpheum Theatre, tickets are sold out but a few more were released on the day of the show so keep and eye out.