Huntington’s Keith Albee Theater lit up the sign and stage with The Barenaked Ladies’ performance Thursday night.

Seats were filled with Huntington community members of all ages while the band performed some of their top hits “One Week” and “If I had a $1,000,000” along with songs from their latest album, “Fake Nudes.”

Tim Irr, WSAZ anchor, said he came out to the Keith Albee Performing Arts Center to not only work, but to enjoy The Barenaked Ladies’ performance and do double duty.

“I usually do the intro for the shows and then go back to work, but I heard the band The Barenaked Ladies were coming and I remember years ago they were awesome,” Irr said. “And they dropped an album in 2017 that I started listening to and realized they’re legit and not just a 90’s band that everybody remembers.”

Irr said he was excited to hear not only their old hits but also their fresh music as it involved controversial topics.

“I really am excited to hear their new songs from their new album,” Irr said. “This is a departure a little from their original music, and they got political with a song called ‘Invisible Fence.’ It’s about the wall in Mexico, and it’s also about the fences we build in our lives.”

Irr said the band holds an element that is in demand and appeals to people of all ages.

“There’s old men like me at 53 that are excited to see a band they listened to in their youth, which is cool but at the same time millennials are excited to see them too,” Irr said. “And if you’re a band and you can appeal to parents and their kids you are of high quality. Everything you touch is made of gold.”

Irr said the Marshall Artists Series allows people in Huntington to experience and see various performances.

“It’s rare to see these types of shows in cities this size,” Irr said. “There’s no way we would have the ability to see these shows without the Marshall Artists Series.”

Kaitlyn Shouse, public relations major and senior at Marshall University, said she has always loved The Barenaked Ladies and had the chance to work one of their shows a few years ago.

“I saw them for the first time two years ago when I worked their show,” Shouse said. “And I’ve always loved their music and their show was a perfect compliment to their style.”

Shouse said the show emulated their style and brought a presence one would never forget.

“I enjoyed the humor and comedy they brought to the show,” Shouse said. “They had a humor and quirkiness throughout that Huntington doesn’t really see all that often. Their show is special was something everyone has to experience. Once you see their show you will never forget their name.”

The Marshall Artists Series continues its fall season with Pulitzer Prize winner Doris Kearns Goodwin for a lecture and questions and answer session at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26.

Lillie Bodie can be contacted at [email protected].