This past year I made two resolutions for 2017…lose ten pounds and see 52 performances in 52 weeks. Mission accomplished on both parts. If you will indulge me for a few minutes, I would like to look back on this past year’s 53 performances and reflect on some of the most memorable.  Lists such as this are very subjective, based on the musical taste of the individual. Why not give me your feedback on shows you saw that left a great impression on you? Do You Believe in Magic?

When you see as many shows as I did this past year, there’s a method to my madness! As an usher at the Charleston Music Hall, I worked more than 30 shows and attended at least 5 others as a patron. I request to work upcoming shows and choose the performances that I want to be exposed to. Charleston Music Hall (CharlestonMusicHall.com) is a small, two tier theatre with 965 seats. There’s not a bad seat in the house and the sight lines and acoustics are excellent. It is referred to as a listening room, with a sign on the stairs to the second floor that says “Hey, Listen Here.” And listen we do. The Music Hall put on more than 200 performances this year, with everything from great concerts to lectures, movies, and theatrical performances.  The building itself dates back to the 1850 when it was used as a train depot.

In addition to these shows, I attended shows at the Pourhouse, the Music Farm, the North Charleston Performing Arts Center, and Volvo Car Stadium in Charleston. There were road trips to Columbia, SC (Colonial Life Arena), Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, NC and the Asbury Park Convention Center in New Jersey (during a visit to see my mother).

My top 10 most memorable performances in 2017 chronologically were:

1) The Marcus King band and the Eric Krasno band at the Pourhouse in Charleston

2) Robert Earl Keen with Ryan Bonner at the Charleston Music Hall

3) An evening with Ann Wilson (HEART) at the Charleston Music Hall

4) Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers at the Charleston Music Hall

5) Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives at the Charleston Music Hall

6) Cody Jinks and the Tone Deaf Hippies at the Charleston Music Hall

7) The Foo Fighters at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC

8) Phil Lesh and the Terrapin family band at the Asbury Park Convention Center

9) Oteil Burbage and Friends (Eric Krasno, John Kadlicak, Melvin Seals, Jay Lane, Weedie Braimah and Alfreda Garcia) at the Pourhouse in Charleston

10) CGP and Dawg- Tommy Emanuel and David Grisman /Trey Hensley and Robert Ickies at the Charleston Music Hall

11) Dead and Company (Bob Weir, Micky Hart, Bill Kreutzman, John Mayer, Oteil Burbage and Jeff Chimenti) at the Spectrum Centre in Charlotte, NC

Okay, sue me! When I reviewed the shows, these were the ones that left a great impression on me. Top 10 lists are great for debating and I was moved by these 11 shows. Marcus King is an upcoming star on the Southern Rock/Jamband scene of which Eric Krasno (Lettuce,Soullive)is a sought after veteran of that scene. Robert Earl Keen is a veteran country performer and great songwriter. Ann Wilson demonstrated that her voice is still in great shape. Her show consisted of a wide variety of cover tunes by artists with great pipes and Ann did them justice. Bruce Hornsby and band gave an intimate performance showcasing his talents and that of his band. Marty Stuart and his Fabulous Superlatives delivered a performance of Honky Tonk music for the ages. Cody Jinks and the Tone Deaf Hippies appear to be the next BIG thing in Country music. The Foo Fighters gave a high energy performance for three hours and were probably the loudest show I have been to in years. Phil Lesh and the Terrapin Family band carry the Grateful Dead banner proudly and gave an inspired performance for 3 and ½ hours. Not bad for a 77-year-old rocker. Oteil and Friends brought together an all-star band of musicians with a love for the Grateful Dead catalog of music and other jazz/jam favorites. The original members of the Grateful Dead, Bob, Mickey and Bill, have been energized with the addition of John Mayer on guitar and vocals. Dead and Company carry on the legacy of the Grateful Dead with a freshness that is satisfying the legions of Deadheads while introducing the music to a new generation of fans.

When you see that many shows, there’s going to be a few stinkers in the bunch. Fortunately, I can only recall three shows that deserve a rotten tomato tossed their way. Those would be Rufus Wainwright, Post Modern Jukebox and Marie Bamford and Jackie Kashian, both comediennes. Rufus Wainwright is the son of Louden W (“Dead skunk in the middle of the road” fame) and performed solo piano and guitar. His music and his songs were depressing and dull. Post Modern Jukebox appears to be a mix of Broadway theatrics and tribute band sound. It was not my cup of tea. Maria Bamford was a quirky comedienne who missed the mark more than she hit it. Jackie Kashian was better but seemed to be hitting her stride as her set ended.

Other shows that left me smiling were Dave Chapelle, Al DiMeola, Elise Testone, Ryan Adams, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Everyone Orchestra, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dark Star Orchestra, Steve Earle, Gov’t. Mule, Jason Isbell, Mary Chapin-Carpenter, Hootie and the Blowfish with Stop Light Observations, the Traveling McCourey’s and Jeff Austin band, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Lee Ann Womack and Patti Griffin, Robert Cray Band, Grass is Dead with David Gans, Jerry Douglas Band, Randy Newman, Judy Collins, the Blue Dogs Homecoming show and Jump Little Children with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra. All shows were at the Music Hall with the exception of Ryan Adams and Jason Isbell at the North Charleston PAC , Gov’t. Mule and Hootie at the Volvo Car Stadium, Everyone Orchestra, Travelin’ McCoureys’ and Jeff Austin Band, Grass is Dead with David Gans at the Pourhouse.

One ‘first’ this year was getting left out at the, “Joe Russo’s Almost Dead,”(JRAD) show last January. The show sold out before I could get tickets and that night we were unable to scalp any. So I spent the night outside the club listening to the band with friends!

A good time was had by all this past year! I wonder what this next year will bring?

So, what were your memorable shows of 2017?? #CharlestonMusicHall #DoYouBelieveInMagic

#LoveforLiveMusic #IfMusicisaBuffet,thenIhaveaneatingdisorder

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