The basic difference between the Counting Crows and Maroon 5 is that one is all about quality and stagecraft, and one is pure and simple fun. Fans got both when the bands shared a double bill last night at the Post-Gazette Pavilion.

Counting Crows kicked things off and didn't waste time before launching into that safety net of all crowd-pleasers, "Mr. Jones." Lead singer Adam Duritz, working hard for a surprisingly meager crowd response, gave a spirited, lively version of the song.

Much of the audience had either not arrived or were still strolling around. Those in their seats remained in their seats. Despite the Counting Crows longevity and following, they were not what the majority of the crowd had come to see.

"Four White Stallions" was next on the list. The song, Duritz explained, was from a former band no longer in existence. The song was salvaged from among the many that simply disappear, he said.

By the time "All My Friends" came around, it was clear Duritz is a bit of an actor , although the theatrics didn't do much to improve the performance. Actually, they had the opposite effect. Rather than focus on the song and singing it, Duritz's attention to his stage routine occasionally overwhelmed the lyrics. Even worse, his wounded-puppy look and exaggerated theatrics made the lyrics seem cheesy and lame.

Despite Duritz's antics, the rest of the band was rocking. Dan Vickrey and David Bryson kept up a solid, excitable core of good music throughout and rocked the occasional guitar solo, particularly on "A Murder of One."

On that song, the audience finally seemed to get into it, clapping along. Duritz, after half-belting, half-talking the lyrics, threw the microphone stand onto the stage floor. It was all very emotional.

The three-song encore was "Washington Square," "Come Around" and "Long December," the latter performed after Duritz, sitting at a piano, reminded everyone to get involved in the community and vote.

Counting Crows left the stage around 9:20; 25 minutes later Maroon 5 appeared and immediately began "This Love" from their its album, "Songs About Jane."

Adam Levine, dressed in skinny black jeans and plain white T-shirt, was slick and smooth onstage as Michael Jackson, minus the moonwalk.

The audience was at last on its feet and reveling in the performance. Levine and the rest of the band didn't pause between songs until the fifth one. The effort was so without any spontaneity, audience members may as well have been listening to a mixed CD with the volume cranked up .

But Maroon 5 knows what the fans want: their favorite songs performed live, without any new interpretation. Dancing in the aisles began well before the fifth song, "The Sun." Levine & Co. know how to put on a show and keep people up on their feet. Infectious rhythms and upbeat lyrics would force even non-fans to at least tap their toes .

"Won't Go Home Without You" brought more crowd singing, after Levine asked for some "audience participation," and some sweet lighting effects. The Maroon 5 show was quickly eclipsing Counting Crows.

After "Secret" and "Shiver," the band played "Sunday Morning," each one a crowd-pleaser. It's hard to believe anyone went home without hearing one favorite Maroon 5 song .

The end result of the double headliner concert was a mix of quality and fun showmanship. Either way, nothing to complain about.

Kate McCaffrey can be reached at kmccaffrey@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1601.