David Cook performs Thursday (Oct. 20, 2011) night at the Wells Fargo Center in Santa Rosa, Ca.

It was nearly 2 a.m. Friday (Oct. 21, 2011) inSanta Rosa. Late even by rock stars’ standards.

But there stood David Cook and his touring compadre Gavin DeGraw in the Wells Fargo Center for the Arts posing, signing, cajoling adoring fans who had lined up for a “Meet ‘n Greet” function after the duos tour stop in Santa Rosa.

That’s when the girl in her mid-20s walked up to DeGraw for the obligatory photo op and an autograph.

“Who should I make this out to?” DeGraw asked as he had done about 200 times already.

“Oh,” she said, “just sign It to ‘Sexy b—–!”

DeGraw was stunned and looked over to Cook. “Did you hear that?” he asked.

“Sure did,” Cook answered.

So it went following a 4 ½-hour concert that featured three bands, about 1,200 fans in the facility that seats approximately 1,500. There was plenty of elbow-room.

Asking me to technically review a music concert in general and a Cook effort in particular is fruitless. I wouldn’t know a flat note from a flat tire. I’m just a guy with a set of headphones and an IPod. No more, no less. Probably the best type of consumer for Cook and DeGraw.

And I’ll make no bones about it – I’m a Cook apologist. Musically, as an entertainer, as a human being I haven’t come across much that I don’t like. Ran into him first from my couch when I stumbled on to his act in Season 7 of American Idol and I haven’t let go since.

I enjoy his voice, the songs he writes, the lyrics, the melodies, the band … oh, have I mentioned that I think his drummer is the unsung hero of the group.

And Thursday night gave me little reason to deviate from my enjoyment of his talent. He sang 14 songs as the concluding act of the concert and none disappointed me.

Here’s the list (or at least I think it’s mostly accurate): Circadian, Kiss On The Neck, The Last Goodbye, Hard to Believe, Heroes, Champagne SuperNova, We Believe, Paper Heart, Come Back To Me, Right Here With You, Movin’ Out, Goodbye To The Girl, Light On, Fade Into Me.

Of course, there are other songs I wish he would have, could have done but I can wait for those.

I can see myself becoming a fan of Mr. DeGraw and the opening act Carolina Liar (I did ask he lead singer of CL how they got the group’s name and he told because no one has ever believed anything he has ever said!). Both groups of musicians are talented, stage saavy and fan friendly.

At intermission between acts I wondered through the lobby to the obligatory souvenir booth. There was a $45 special listed for a poster, T-shirt and CD (I think). And the vendor had a “Tip Jar” so, as the sign proclaimed, “I can get drunk too tonight.”

A couple of thoughts on that: the economy has hit even the souvenir stand, and you have to embrace honesty.

And honestly, I’m hooked on Cook.