2 days later, my heart is still smiling. I don't normally rank shows since there will be bigger and better ones to come in my future, but what took place Sunday evening was by far one of the most magical nights in my 28 year existence.
The show was held at The Palace Theater in Albany. This venue is overwhelming with beauty. The chandeliers, the works of art, the lush tapestries, everything is just exquisite. This was my 3rd experience at The Palace and by far the best and not just because we had 4th row seats. ;)
Seth and Scott Avett need no introduction and therefore did not have an opening band welcome them. They played for 2 solid hours at high energy. Scott on the banjo and Seth on the guitar. There was a stand-up bass, cello and drum player as well. At times you could feel that bass vibrate through your whole body, unreal. The brothers and band members got row-fucking-dy on stage. Jumping, clapping, pacing...their presence was mesmerizing and also, they are dead sexy. The crowd knew all the lyrics to the majority of the songs which added to the enthusiasm of the night.
Their songs alone pull at your heartstrings and touch on a wide range of common milestones throughout life. Seeing them in the flesh, you can witness the honesty, heartache and dedication they pour into each song, bringing each show-goer through their journeys and oftentimes allowing us to share the relating, yet personal, emotion.
Their tunes are described as folk/bluegrass/rock, but their performance style brought a touch of each genre on stage. One minute I was tearing up, another minute my cheeks hurt from smiling so hard, and another I was dancing like a wild-woman. They opened with 'Laundry Room,' and played almost 30 songs! My favorites of the night included, 'Love Like the Movies,' 'January Wedding,' 'Offering,' 'Gimmeakiss,' and 'At the Beach.' Actually scratch that, they were all my favorite. The audience went crazy for 'Kick Drum Heart.' Sally and I turned around at various parts of the show to appreciate the sold out show, it was exhilarating. I'm not sure how many people The Palace Theater holds but it was full of love that night.
Also, I believe we were sitting behind their parents. There was an older couple that were escorted right in front of the stage before 'Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise' came on and they were able to stay there the remainder of the show. The woman stared adoringly at the 2 men on stage and I couldn't help but feel they were related. Sally, Jayson and I left with the same thought, even if it wasn't their mother we're going to think it was, regardless.
The brother's graced us with their solo's for another level of appreciation. Scott singing, 'Murder in the City,' and Seth with 'My Last Song to Jenny.' It was lovely. The 5-song encore also enhanced the attachment issue I was having with not wanting the show to end, but alas, it did, as all shows do.
I first started following The Avetts after their performance on The Grammy's with Mumford and Sons and Bob Dylan. I'm so glad I did. Their songs move me and melt my stone-cold heart. Thank you for that Scott and Seth. Keep performing and keep song-writing. The Avett Brothers are on the Bonaroo Line-Up and I'm going this summer, I cannot wait to experience them again in all my summer festival-bliss.
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