Who Cares and The Stops make for a sweet Valentine's day

Wednesday night's Valentine's Day show at XOXO gave locals a warm fuzzy feeling -- the feeling of love. Valentin's Day is both loved and hated folks all over the nation, but the delicious show given by Reno favorites Electro-pop band, The Stops and Hip Hop giants, Who Cares proved that the "holiday" can bring joy -- for those taken or single.

It seemed like all of Reno was at the show. XOXO was packed fuller than it has ever been. Locals were packed in tight, shoulder too shoulder like sardines, getting a little to close for comfort. It didn't matter, everyone was enjoying the show too much to care.

The Stops began the show with an entrancing performance of electro rock and passionate lyrics and vocals. They don't have an album out yet but they are already known by locals as one of the most musically inclined bands in Reno.

Their album is due out later this year.

The harmonizing by lead singers Arielle McCann and Johnny Vandenberg is romantically sensual and their hypnotic synthesizers make their music perfect.

After The Stop's performance, most of the crowd ventured outside for a quick cool down. The cold air felt terrific from the hot steam that had built up from the tiny venue.

Who Cares graced the stage around midnight, after Jammal Tarkington arrived from a special Valentine's show with Verbal Kint at the Greenroom.

Like always, Who Cares seduced the crowd with their unique and soulful sound. Their mixing of hip hop and jazz gives a powerful sound of both worlds; a polished combination of personal and intimate lyrics with the funky saxophone and slick organ solos.

Who Cares is what hip hop should be. Forget the chains, the grills, and the street credibility. Who Cares blows radio hip hop out of the water.

All hands were up in the air waving back and forth to every song Who Cares played. The show even got emotional a few times as Ernie Upton aka Fernie Fresh got close with his audience.

"I shouldn't be so hard on myself," said Upton. "Cause I'm the luckiest person I know."

The crowd adored Upton. The girls couldn't stop screaming and guys shook his hand. The Trio: Upton, Tarkington and Max McMaster kill it every time, a group that anyone can fall in love with.

The performance was incredible, full of love for good music; perfect for Valentine 's Day.

Listen to Who Cares at Whocaresmusic.com and Myspace.com/whocaresmusic.

Listen to The Stops at Myspace.com