Another day in paradise for Jordan Center

It was a weekend circus at The Bryce Jordan Center.

And last night, a clown showed up.

Yes, the KISS concert Saturday night and Phil Collins concert last night definitely drew in two completely different kinds of arena crowds, giving new meaning to diversity at the University.

The KISS crowd came in full fashion, with many audience members decked out in the entire attire, from the boots to the black and white make-up.

Rich Kosak and Mike Gavigan, who traveled from Pittsburgh to see the show (the seventh and fifth dates they've seen on the current reunion tour, respectively), were well-prepared with costume gear because, they said, they are members of a KISS tribute band called Mr. Speed.

Kosak said he thinks no band has measured up to KISS since the '70s because bands today don't play as well and don't deliver as entertaining of a show.

"(KISS) give you a lot more bang for your buck," Kosak said. "They add a lot of excitement to rock 'n' roll."

As soon as the curtain flew up, the '70s rockers literally exploded onstage, as an enormous neon sign shaped into the KISS logo beamed across the sold-out crowd.

The floor filled up with smoke, which turned different colors as it passed through the spotlights, and the band stomped around in it as it banged out the classic "Deuce."

Band members "flew" about the arena to dazzle the fans. During one song, singer/guitarist Paul Stanley was whisked up on a flying trapeze and carried to a small island in the center of the audience.

Then, bass player/vocalist Gene Simmons spread his wings (which were part of his costume) and flew up to the light fixtures, where he performed a bass solo while gushing blood from his giant mutant tongue.

Every band member had an extended, spotlighted solo, and singer/guitarist Ace Frehley's culminated in the appearance of his guitar arm shooting fireworks.

The song "Firehouse" was complemented by sirens and ambulance lights. In fact, every effect of the concert was complementing the theatrical aspect of rock 'n' roll, not supplementing for musical quality as many bands try to do.

Toward the end, the entire band was levitated off the stage and into oblivion. A few minutes later, they came out for an encore of "Detroit Rock City," followed by the rock ballad, "Beth."

Finally, KISS delivered on many people's anticipation and played "Rock and Roll All Nite," as every effect from the entire show went off simultaneously, with confetti and fireworks shooting in every direction and the KISS sign shining across the crowd.

It was like a giant pinball machine -- appropriate, for a fun revival of '70s culture.

"It's the greatest concert you'll ever see in your entire life, said Dave Mozeleski, of Scranton. "Better than Barnum and Bailey!"

Last night, a half-filled center hosted an attempt on Phil Collins' part to diversify his palette and catch up to former bandmate Peter Gabriel's reputation for world music innovation.

Collins had the stage set up in the middle of the arena to look like a boat-type setting, complete with life preservers on the side. He began the set with a Caribbean-style percussion and brass intro, and sang tropical chants with all the soul of Pat Boone.

The seashore imagery was actually appropriate for a singer who boosted his career by appearing on "Miami Vice."

Although KISS is composed of middle-aged men, the concert still drew fans of all ages; Collins was aware he had not aged as well, and had a predominantly older fan-base.

"We're going to be here for quite a while tonight. I hope that's OK with you," he said. "Yes, the baby-sitters are going to be on overtime."

Some fans seemed relatively entertained.

"The lighting is excellent," said Kurt Vandegrift of Phillipsburg. "(Collins) is relaxing to listen to. It's lovey-dovey, romantic music."

Emily Will, an incoming freshman at the University, said she enjoyed Collins' singing.

"He's talented," she said. "The lighting is really cool."

Collins also performed a cover of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are A-Changin' " that left a sense of relief that the original artist is coming to town soon.

He also attempted to sway around a bit and show some energy, but the truth is, like he says, he really can't dance.