Barenaked Ladies [ tickets ] celebrated St. Patrick's Day with less shtick than usual during their Wednesday (3/18) performance at Tempe Beach Park in Tempe, AZ, but a few light moments managed to bubble to the surface.

The Canadian pop quintet created impromptu musical nods to singer-guitarist Ed Robertson's five-day stay in Arizona, as well as the state's lack of helmet laws for motorcyclists. Robertson noted that it was odd that most of the state's motorcyclists are sure to wear protective glasses, but not helmets. To which singer Steven Page responded, "If all your skin is off, there's nothing worse than a bug in the eye."

Stage banter was minimal for much of the concert, which began with "Maybe Katie," from the band's latest album, "Everything to Everyone," and wrapped up 90 minutes later with a cover of Duran Duran's "Rio."

Most of the humor was subtle; for instance, during the concert rarity "Grade 9," the group threw in a few bars of Rush's "Tom Sawyer."

Primarily, the band let the music speak for itself. Dressed in a festive green shirt, Robertson was buoyant, jumping up and down and running across the stage during "Too Little Too Late." Page later clapped to the beat as Robertson served up a guitar solo during the same song.

The songs were punchier than usual. "Another Postcard," the first single from "Everything to Everyone," was given a boost with deep bass licks courtesy of Jim Creeggan. Kevin Hearn offered a dazzling piano solo during "Celebrity."

The performance was a part of the St. Patrick's Day Throwdown, which also featured performances by Butterfly Boucher, the Clare Voyants, The Rising, The Thrills, Blue October, Howie Day and Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers (formerly the Refreshments).

After sitting in 90-degree weather for seven hours, the crowd seemed less than enthusiastic during Barenaked Ladies' performance, opting to trade green beaded necklaces and converse loudly. It's unfortunate because the Barenaked Ladies proved again they're one of the best live bands around.