Photo by Lucia Tran

Just minutes away from the start of the concert, fans were piled up inside waiting to catch a glimpse of the band She & Him. Almost 3000 people appeared to show their support for the indie-group, while screaming and chanting for actress Zooey Deschanel. Most people didn’t bother to even hold a camera to the event, regardless of the strict rules against photography. It was all about living in the moment. Two fans who made it front and center of the concert talked to Inspire about the band.

Heather Banchieri and Allison Howard loves the duo-power and were thrilled to see them perform. Howard, a big fan of Deschanel, said “I heard about the band through Zooey…I love all of her movies…especially ‘Flakes.’”

While fans listened to She & Him’s back up singers performed their numbers, Deschanel and Ward rehearsed backstage. The duo has been on a world tour but recently returned home to America. In between a performance, Deschanel clearly stated, “Europe is nice for visiting…home is for living” with a smile on her face. Any word that came out of her mouth led to an eruption of cheers.

Photo by Lucia Tran

The spotlight was constant on Deschanel, and Ward was left in the dark most of the time. Once they began singing together in songs like “Magic Trick,” they relighted the stage. Most ‘talents’ often cannot perform without their studio’s auto-tuning programs, but She & Him live is probably their best time to show how well they can present their musical endowment.

The band sung from their first album and their second album, yet included other cover songs as heard at their Coachella act. Their songs convey a summer feeling of relaxation as well a car ride with all the right beats.

Before the “Ridin in My Car” performance, She & Him welcomed a special guest. NRBQ’s Al Anderson, whose band originally wrote and performed “Ridin in My Car,” came out to perform with Ward and Deschanel. The three lighted the stage and scattered shrieks for Al exploded.

As the show ended around 11:00 PM, fans reeled back the band for two encores. Ward rocked out to “Roll Over Beethoven,” and Deschanel carried out her cover of “I Put a Spell on You.” Dancing and drinking, the concert was a reminiscent of a music festival in the 1960s. No, not the Woodstock Festival.

Although indie-bands are never as popular, She & Him has provided the proof for such talent and charisma. This widely popular group is still touring until July. Check out their website for show dates and even exclusive merchandise.

Photo by Gretchen Easton

Shot in San Dimas in April by Gretchen Easton, Debby Ryan floated in Sunday vintage dresses and Ray Ban sunglasses. Declaring she was “lost” and ended up with matching books and her violin, Ryan was all smiles and laughter during her May cover shoot.

Location: Mr.Bones Pumpkin Patch
Date: October 26, 2009
Photographer: Lucia Tran