Sacramento kicked it up a notch Thursday night with theperformance of Video Music Award winning band Maroon 5. The soulfulrockers played a rousing set at the California State Fair thatenticed thousands of screaming girls, as well as the average malefan, for their last show of a three month tour.

“This is crazy,” screamed lead singer Adam Levine,dressed casually in a white undershirt and old jeans. “We aresurrounded by people right now, crazy,” he declared.

Before Maroon 5 took the stage at 8 p.m. for a 90 minute show,the crowd of thousands rose to their feet in anticipation, ascheers waved throughout the venue. When the first chords of”Through with You” were struck, the audience knew theywere in for something exciting.

Maroon 5 did not disappoint with their performance of standouttracks from their album “Songs about Jane.” The groupsounded even better live than on the album; a feat that fewperformers master. Although Levine’s smooth, high-pitchedvocals were difficult to hear at some points, despite closeproximity to the stage, the band still sounded perfect. Theoverpowering band drowned him out on a couple of lines, but thefans singing along made it impossible to lose track of thesong.

The band itself sounded great, despite original drummer RyanDusik not in attendance. Due to a shoulder injury earlier in thetour, a replacement has been playing with the band ever since.

Maroon 5 formed in L.A. while still in high school. First beingnamed Kara’s Flowers, the grouped changed its name after theaddition of guitarist James Valentine. Once the radio play with”Harder to Breathe,” the band’s popularityexploded with the massive hit, “This Love,” and thecurrent rock ballad, “She Will Be Loved.”

The band had some stirring jam sessions, as well as playingtheir hits to perfection. Before closing the show, they took partin a two-minute rock out, with Levine playing guitar and ad-libbingvocals, while the band shook the crowd with their instrumentalskills.

“You guys are wonderful, this is a great way to end it.Thank you,” screamed Levine.

Possibly the album’s best song, “SundayMorning” was certainly their best performance. The crowd sangalong and danced with pleasure; it was a concert moment to beremembered.

“It’s like Beetlemania!” exclaimed juniorSarah Penney as she squealed in delight, along with the whole ofthe female crowd, at first sight if Levine on stage. “Sexappeal oozes through Maroon 5’s every lyric,” Penneysaid.

For those who missed this performance, the band has recentlyreleased a live CD full of their greatest hits entitled,”1.23.03 Acoustic.”