This past April I attended two shows as a patron (Infamous Stringdusters and Dark Star Orchestra)and   worked the Jamey Jameson and Tyler Childers shows. All four shows were sellouts.

If you’re reading this, you love the live music experience and look forward to the next show. There’s an excitement and anticipation as you get ready for “tonight’s concert”. Taking it in live is a special experience! It was with that excitement that I saw the infamous Stringdusters and then Dark Star Orchestra on successive nights. I have caught DSO on three previous occasions before but this was my first time seeing the Infamous Stringdusters. I was treated to a 2hr. 30 minute, two set show showcasing their musical prowess. This band is a modern crossover between bluegrass and jam band. The band consists of Travis Book on bass, Chris Pandolfi on banjo, Andy Falco on acoustic guitar, Andy Hall on dobro and Jeremy Garrett on fiddle. These guys played well to both ends of the spectrum, sounding like a traditional bluegrass band for some tunes and then stretching the sounds of their instruments with the fervor of the best jam band today. I loved their harmonies and the virtuoso skills that they brought to their instruments. Their energy and harmonies create a captivating sound. Check them out on YouTube for a great introduction.

The Charleston Music Hall has hosted an ever increasing number of Country artists, both newcomers and living legends. The shows are almost always a sell out and the fans are rabid! Jamey Johnson’s show was no exception. He is firmly entrenched as a Country Outlaw musician.  His deep and soothing voice sounded great whether he was showcasing one of the bands tunes or doing justice to covers of their favorite artists. He fronted an 11 piece band including several brass instruments, uncommon in a country band. Among the numerous covers he performed that night were such songs as “Willing” by Little Feat and Woody Guthrie’s. “This Land is Your Land”. His songwriting skills may be the most under-appreciated facet of his skills. If you listen to country music on terrestrial or satellite radio, you are familiar with his songs. If you’re not, may I encourage you to check him out on your favorite streaming service.

#InfamousStringdusters   #JameyJohnson #doyoubelieveinmagic   #CharlestonMusicHall