When Hey Ocean! plays a show in Vancouver, they do it right. Packing the house with friends, family and fans—the band rocked Richard's on Richards on January 22.

The band, dressed in their "summer whites," played with energy that was contagious. Openers Drumheller and Michael Bernard Fitzgerald warmed up the crowd, but they weren't the only special guests to take the stage. Hey Ocean!'s set included appearances from Shad and members of Five Alarm Funk (coincidentally two groups that I hope to review in February).

You could tell from the on-stage chemistry that the band has been touring vigorously. Ashleigh Ball's charisma was undeniable, as was the talent in her playfully soulful vocals. Guitarist David Beckingham's chords and harmonies provided a perfect complement to Ball. Completing the picture, both Dave Vertesi and Dan Klenner played with punch and precision. All four looked genuinely happy to be home.

The band engaged the audience with their obvious musicality as they slipped between pop, funk and even Latin styles with ease. The occasional brass and percussion of Five Alarm Funk were an awesome addition that took the experience to a new level. Shad's appearance spun the show into yet another direction, with old-school hip hop and beat-boxing giving the audience something to remember.

Continue reading for photos and more!

Another unexpected feature of the night was Colin Moore, who was live-painting on-stage throughout the concert. His Basco-style painting was auctioned at the end of the night and all proceeds were donated to MS research. I first witnessed live-painting during Neil Young's concert, and I love to see the combination of different art forms.

Hey Ocean!'s concert had the heart of a wicked house party: the crowd was great and the music was even better. If there was one thing to learn from this concert, it was that the members of Hey Ocean! are true musicians and not just a fleeting pop sensation.

Photos are copyright Ami Sanyal.

Colin Moore is a Vancouver-based graphic designer. Besides live-painting, his poster designs (like this one) and other projects are worth checking out! Go to his official site for galleries.

Hey Ocean! will play a number of West Coast shows leading up to their SxSW performance in March. See their Myspace for concert details.