At Southern California's Irvine Meadows Amphitheater last Friday(4/23), three opening acts graced the bill (Cree Summer, Everlast, Black Crowes) at the sold out venue, but one act - Lenny Kravitz [ tickets ] - was the headliner, and for good reason. Even after a rainy set by the Black Crowes and the stifling chilly air, when Kravitz hit the stage not a single person was to be found sitting in their seat, setting the tone for the evening.

Dressed in an ultra-hip dark blue suit and tie with boots to match, Kravitz appeared to be a modern day version of James Brown, silver fly glasses and all. After the electric, Live from his latest, 5, the energy level among attendees only escalated as concert-goers prepared to dance the night away. After Kravitz told the roadies to ''cut the heat,'' because it was drying out his throat and creating other technical difficulties, Kravitz continued the night in stellar form.

The backdrop for the band was an intense curtain of elaborate lights that shined an array of patterns and colors out into the venue and served as a light show on its own. Kravitz then led the band (which included horns, keyboards & back-up singers) into the funky Supersoulfighter, a song about a modern-day super hero.

The entire audience, already on their feet and shaking their bodies to the music, cheered as Kravitz, repeatedly yelled out, ''Los Angeles'' and encouraged crowd participation by waving his hands in the air. Exuding energy, he danced across the stage, wiggling his body to the groove and replicating the moves of one of his idols, The Artist.

Though Kravitz showcased extraordinary musical talents through numerous extended jams, they became repetitive through the two hour set and lost the attention of many.

As the night continued, Kravitz' voice stayed strong and the band remained tight, blasting out tune after tune ranging from classics like, Mama Said, and Fields of Joy from 91's, Mama Said. The highlight of the night's set came when Kravitz announced they were going to play a song they hadn't played for eight years and broke into Blues for Sister Someone from Let Love Rule.

After a brief speech about love and life, Kravitz went into Let Love Rule, jumping off the stage and walking through the aisles to the middle of the venue where he stood on a chair singing and dancing while his band played an extended version of Let Love Rule, sending his fans into a frenzy.

Although the night's events appeared a little rehearsed after seeing his first string of concerts a few months ago, Kravitz remains true to his art and form, and after two encores that included, Fly Away, and Are You Gonna Go My Way the crowd left satisfied and with smiles on their faces.