Concert Review: KDWB's Stars came out to party and play

KDWB's Star Party has become sort of a prom for the 18-and-over crowd. There's the anxiety/excitement of getting to go (tickets aren't for sale; you have to win them from the radio station) and then dressing up to hear some of your favorite hit music.

Here's what some of the 2,500 lucky party-goers and this critic thought of the 20th annual Star Party on Thursday night at the Myth nightclub in Maplewood. The 4 1/2-hour, seven-act affair featured cameos by Maroon 5, Colbie Caillat, Sean Kingston and others. In order of appearance:

Ray J

Kristy Stoner, 25, Stillwater: "He was sexy. He energizes the crowd, and he bounces around the stage. I like his voice, too." Grade: A-minus

Critic: Brandy's little brother tried to sex the crowd up, with his crotch grabbing and suggestive lyrics. The centerpiece of his short set was the current smash "Sexy Can I," which started as a stripped down ballad, then turned into a PG rap fest. Grade: B-minus.

Gavin DeGraw

Michelle Chovan, 23, Hudson, Wis.: "He's really good live. He was cute. The band was really good, too." Grade: A

Critic: This piano popster was aggressively loud, with a blues-rock sound that suggested John Mayer more than his own recordings. He failed to release his inner soulfulness. Grade: B-minus.

Colbie Caillat

Becca Creger, 18, Shoreview: "I thought she was good. She needs to find more upbeat songs. I could tell people were starting to get a little bored." Grade: B-plus.

Critic: Caillat seemed a little more confident than in her two Twin Cities appearances last year but she still seemed to connect more with her band than the audience. The highlight was when her bandmates blew tiny bubbles at her as she started her hit "Bubbly." Grade: C

Maroon 5

Heather Muckle, 33, North St. Paul: "They were really good. I want to marry [lead singer] Adam Levine. He is just hot." Grade: A

Critic: Finally, a rock-star turn. Even though these five seated guys were playing an "acoustic set," they electrified the Myth. Levine gave a soulful, sexy performance, complete with a rock-star bow. Grade: A

Danity Kane

Will Ways, 29, St. Paul: "I didn't think they were too bad. I think they had their stuff tonight. They were a little bit pitchy. Their dance moves were dated on the first two songs." Grade: B-minus

Critic: Diddy's made-by-MTV girl group had lots of attitude, legs and hair. But not much else was memorable about DK's four-song, 16-minute performance. Grade: C.

Simple Plan

Jesse Gasior, 23, Pittsburgh, Pa.: "They always give a crowd-pleasing performance. They are one of my favorite bands. Their songs hit home with me." Grade: A

Critic: In concert, these Canadians added personality to their polished-for-the-radio punk-pop. But they were as simple and unspecial as their moniker. Grade: B

Sean Kingston

Sara Hayes, 22, Buffalo: "I've never seen hip-hop in person before. He's alright." Grade: C.

Critic: Backed by a DJ and hypeman, the mildly entertaining teenager from Jamaica seemed more a cheerleader than a rapper or singer. His voice got lost in the mix. Grade: D-plus.

Jon Bream • 612-673-1719