Concert Reviews

Double bill of Moore, McBryde add up to night to remember

May 28, 2023 - There is probably no better place to honor Memorial Day than a county fair and no better soundtrack than country music. Furthermore, there are few better country artists to take on that role and responsibility than Justin Moore. In front of a crowd already primed to party in the three-day weekend, it ...

LeVox offers a real treat

May 22, 2023 - Gary LeVox (whether with or without Rascal Flatts) is one of country music's most distinctive voices. Whenever his voice comes over the radio, you know right away it's him. LeVox headlined a Monday night at The Troubadour, and it was surprising to see the venue only three quarters full. ...

Swedish duo First Aid Kit show how American music is done

May 16, 2023 - It's sometimes a little embarrassing when those from foreign countries serve back American music better than a lot of the native Americans do it, but such was many times the case while watching and listening the Swedish duo First Aid Kit. With lovely vocal harmonies and strong songs, this skilled ...

Devine, The New Amsterdams pay homage to their pasts

May 14, 2023 - Kevin Devine and The New Amsterdams are not exactly household names. They had more in common than that on their current joint tour. Devine and The New Amsterdams, which is really lead singer Matt Pryor and a few backing musicians, were both playing two decades-old releases in their entirety. ...

A heartfelt Smith is the real deal

May 8, 2023 - Caitlyn Smith apparently had no worries about once again starting her concert with perhaps her biggest song, "High." That was pretty much indicative of how the night unfolded for the diminutive Minnesotan. She was solo, playing before maybe 75 people. The song started quietly before Smith ...

White makes sad songs sound so so good

May 7, 2023 - It's been quite the few weeks for Canadian Americana/country-based singer Bella White. Ten days ago, she was playing Stagecoach, the massive California country fest. Two days later, she hit the stage at the premiere festival, Merlefest. And White made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry on April 25. ...

Parker soldiers on with new and old

May 1, 2023 - At 72, the acerbic wit of Graham Parker remains firmly intact. More importantly, so are his musical skills in a concert ranging from chestnuts to new songs soon to see the light of day later this year. Parker received well-deserved praise for his first two releases only six months apart in 1976, ...

Tucker, McCourys close out Merlefest in style

April 30, 2023 - When headliner Tanya Tucker, just in town for the day, inquired of the MerleFest crowd on Sunday afternoon how much longer the festival was going on, she apparently came to the realization on stage that she was the last set not only for Sunday, but the whole festival this year. "We ought to just ...

Morris turns up star power at Merlefest with winning set

April 29, 2023 - Merlefest Saturday 4/29/2023 Big things happened at MerleFest on Saturday, drawing the biggest crowds of the weekend. This year, Maren Morris headlining the evening lineup brought in even more fans just to see her. The Hillside Album Hour hosted by The Waybacks has been a huge hit since it started ...

Stagecoach sizzles musically (and weather-wise too)

April 28, 2023 - Editor's note: Stagecoach was a three-day festival, April 28-30, 2023. So, who was hot at Stagecoach 2023? Answer: Everyone. At temperatures above 100 degrees each day, this weather was not suitable for attending a festival. Not ignoring the elephant in the atmosphere, nearly every artist said ...

Weather be damned; The Avetts, Marcus King turn it up at a notch MerleFest

April 28, 2023 - Friday at MerleFest is traditionally a packed schedule, the first full day and filled with familiar headliners. This year's lineup delivered surprises, old standbys and some unexpected weather-related hiccups. Early highlights included Montana act Laney Lou and the Bird Dogs, who brought a ...

MerleFest gets underway with Emmanuel, Little Feat

April 27, 2023 - The 35th annual edition of MerleFest, the North Carolina roots music festival that honors the legacy of Doc and Merle Watson, started strong despite a wet, rainy Thursday afternoon. While the weather didn't improve much throughout the day, the music more than made up for it. ...

Cleaves keeps it real

April 16, 2023 - The venue for this night's Slaid Cleaves concert was just a little too clean. His songs, which many times focus on guys way down on their luck, sometimes just scream out for smokey old dark bars. Nobody could legally smoke in here, though, so attendees had to just use their imaginations. ...

Reba brings the warmth on a cold night

April 1, 2023 - It may sound like an oxymoron, but Reba performed an outdoor concert in chilly Southern California. Yes, it is no April Fool's joke to say this was bundle up weather. Nothing could deter the irrepressible Reba, though, as she smiled and sang her heart out and appeared to love every minute of it. ...

Fleet Foxes bring the glow

March 22, 2023 - On this rainy night in Los Angeles, it sure didn't feel too much like spring. Dispositions improved significantly, though, once Fleet Foxes' sunny sounds filled this downtown venue. It's been said SoCal has gotten more rain this year than Fleet Foxes' Seattle hometown. ...

Old 97's ages especially well

March 18, 2023 - Old 97's has titled its current concert trek its "30th Anniversary Tour," and now that the group has been at it for three decades, the "Old" in Old 97's takes on added meaning. Instead of calling the group aged, however, it's better to take stock and just be thankful ...