It is hard to believe that its almost the end, but still
there is a full day left of the festival to enjoy. I kick my day off at the
Brattle stage.
Michelle Lewis is joined by fiddler extraordinaire Eva Walsh,
and guitarist (who’s name I am totally blanking on right now) but he kicked ass.
Lewis is a very positive light within the cavern of sad songs about love lost,
murder ballad, sad folk we call Americana. Her disposition matches the
beautiful day we have kicking off (the gal even brought homemade mini apple
pies for her guests). A beautiful voice, wonderful songs, and a really amazing
person to boot!
Brandon Mastrangelo was over at the Park stage so I ran over
to listen to a few of his jams. Usually I am used to the rocking sounds of his
band Larcenist, so it was really cool to catch his stripped down and raw in an
acoustic setting. Really awesome voice and songs.
Danielle Miraglia just has something about her man. She just
exudes badassery. She kicks ass at guitar, has an amazing voice, and a giant
kick box thing that makes boomy percussive noises. The whole set up and
execution is just awesome. She is totally into the music and its completely
sincere. All I can say is I loved shooting a bunch of pics during her set
because of how “into it” she gets and because I got to hear her incredible
tunes...oh yeah, and Laurence f'ing Scudder was playing viola with her...hell yes.
I stuck around to watch Sarah Blacker kick off a few songs
at Brattle and like the veteran that she is, she had the audience in the palm
of her hand within the first verse. Her backing band was tight, the sun was
shining, and it was a great few tunes I got to catch before I noticed my
stomach start grumbling.
I grabbed me a veggie burger and fries at Tasty burger then
headed across the way to watch Dave Gallagher band. As if Gallagher’s souful
voice and incredible guitar playing isn’t enough he also has a RIDICULOUSLY
talented backing band. The band was in tip top shape, playing a slew of really
excellent tunes to an attentive audience. Awesome stuff!
Ian Fitzgerald and Courtney Gallagher…my favorite set of the
entire weekend and that’s all I have to say about that.
Mark Whitaker plays the banjo unlike any other banjo player
in the history of banjo playing. He is ridiculous. Plus he writes great songs,
has a super smooth and pleasant voice, and plays with insanely talented people
like Eva Walsh on Fiddle, Forrest O’ Connor on Mandolin, and Gian Pangaro on
upright. A friggin + all day long!
GGG rocked n rolled. People danced, it was grand.
Brendan Hogan was the final performer of the festival. As a guy who has paid his dues on the Boston scene it was fitting to have him close out the festival. Him and the band were excellent, but what struck me the most was their poise and grace. A homeless, rather inebriated gentleman was trying to “be in the band” and Brendan and the boys didn’t miss a beat. The true mark of a seasoned veteran and being able to play under any pressure.
Til next year…
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