New Site! **WE HAVE MOVED**

Hello Music Lovers,

I just wanted to take this moment to let everyone know that I have moved this blog to a new address.
I have enjoyed using Blogger but the time has come for a new platform. I'm only leaving the old site up because I still get a lot of traffic here. As of August 5, 2016, there will no longer be posts or updates on this address.

For my current music reviews, go to my NEW site - On The Flipside Music.

Social Media info below:
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Everything from this site will be featured on my new one.

Follow me on www.ontheflipsidemusic.com for the latest music reviews!

CONCERT REVIEW: The Mother Hips Plays Surprise Set at West Hollywood's Troubadour

By Jessica Klausing

Tim Bluhm perfroms at The Troubadour
photo by Jessica Klausing

Longtime fans eagerly awaited The Mother Hips co-founding guitarist Tim Bluhm as he slowly made his way center stage to his seat. Bluhm donned a foot cast and crutches for the evening due to an unfortunate paragliding accident in September 2015 that left his ankle shattered. 

This injury didn’t hold back Bluhm’s energy filled powerhouse performance at West Hollywood’s Troubadour.

Tim Bluhm (guitar/vocals), Greg Loiacono (guitars/vocals), John Hoffer (drums) and Scott Thunes (bass) with special guests, Scheila Gonzales (saxophone/vocals) and Jason Crosby (keys/violin) played a very special show for Los Angeles.

The band teased fans with the promise of covering a surprise record as part of their two set show. As soon as the band opened with the anguished guitar ballad, “Gimmie Shelter,” the sold out venue erupted in cheers.  The Mother Hips played The Rolling Stones’ Let it Bleed album in its entirety.

Bluhm and the gang slayed through the classics such as “Monkey Man,” “Country Honk,” “Let It Bleed” and the iconic “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” The songs were performed ready to burst of hard rockin’ blues with surprisingly dark undertones that was both sexy and horrifying at the same time. This stellar performance would have made Mick Jagger proud.

On top of a secret set, the Hips had another surprise in store for fans that night. Fans were gifted with a free download of the new single, “I Went in Hard.” This song is a sneak peek of the group’s new album due out later this year. The song addresses the accident that badly injured Bluhm but the band was not going to kiss and tell any more secrets about the new album.

“We decided not to play the new single tonight. We wanted the audience to go home and experience it for themselves—plus we don’t really know how to play it,” confessed Bluhm.

After a brief intermission, the band returned to play their originals for the final set.

The Hips kicked off the second set with the alternative rockin’ “Smoke” followed by a bluesy jam of “White Falcon Fuzz.”

Scott Thunes and Scheila Gonzales
photo by Jessica Klausing

 Scheila Gonzales had the audience swaying to her jazzy saxophone parts in “Esmerelda.” Gonzales can play a mean sax! It was her beautiful saxophone solo that stole the show during “Toughie.” It was the kind of thing you would hear at a jazz nightclub from the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans. Things mellowed out with Scott Thunes’ heavy bass groove in “Clean Me Up.” The momentum picked back up with Greg Loiacono’s rich lead vocals to the more psychedelic “Confirmation of Love.”

To nail the Hips down to one specific genre would be nearly impossible. A few songs into the set and already the audience were treated to a delicious musical buffet of Americana, blues, jazz, country, alternative and psychedelic rock.

What makes the Hips so special is perhaps the musical bond between Tim Bluhm and Greg Loiacono as evidenced during “Been Lost Once.” Their call and answer vocals section was the main highlight of this heavy Southern rock guitar jam. These two guitarists were quite a mesmerizing sight with their dueling compositions. This was not a battle of the brawns but more of a means to challenge the musical dynamic of the song.

Tim Bluhm of The Mother Hips
photo by Jessica Klausing

The Hips closed out the night on a high with “Magazine” and “Stoned Up the Road.”

The Mother Hips are quite a trip to watch live in person because of their Grateful Dead-esque extensive jam sessions. However, they are much more than just a northern California jam band. These guys are constantly looking for ways to take their songs to new heights. Part of the fun is not knowing where these guys will end up. It’s more about the journey, not the destination.

Secret Setlist:

Gimmie Shelter

Love in Vain

Country Honk

Live with Me

Let it Bleed

Midnight Rambler

You Got the Silver

Monkey Man

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Setlist:

Smoke

White Falcon Fuzz

Esmerelda

Honeydew

Gold Plated

Clean Me Up

Confirmation of Love

Third Floor Story

Singing Seems To Ease Me

Been Lost Once

Toughie

Do It On The Strings

Delmar Station

Time Sick Son Of A Grizzly Bear

Rich Little Girl

Pet Foot

ENCORE:

Magazine

Stoned Up The Road

CONCERT REVIEW: Tyler Stenson Delivers Elegant Folk to Hollywood's Hotel Cafe

By Jessica Klausing

Tyler Stenson performs at Hotel Cafe
photo by Jessica Klausing

Tyler Stenson brightened up the Hotel Café with his unique brand of “Elegant Folk” music. His set was as comforting as a warm hug from an old friend on a bad day. His heart wrenching lyrics and charming presence was a much needed gift to Los Angeles.

Stenson walked onto the main room stage at 08:00PM, picked up his acoustic guitar and crooned right into the delicate “Monday and a Mountain.” 

 This singer-songwriter from Portland captured the attention in the intimate room with his soul lifting melody and humble lyrics, “I was born on a Monday, in the thickening snow, so it’s safe to say that hard work is habit that lives in my bones.” His presentation didn’t include a backing band, making this performance a stripped-down version similar to his 2010 album, Bittersweet Parade.

Tyler Stenson performs "The Arsonist" at Hotel Cafe
photo by Jessica Klausing

Stenson picked up the pace with his second song, “The Arsonist.” This was the highlight of the night because he would be simultaneously playing the guitar and harmonica. In this song, Stenson asks the heartbreaking question, “Why build a bridge if you’ll just burn it down?”

Stenson has always proved to be a bold, honest lyricist. What makes his work so unique is his meticulous attention in the sincerity of his simple words. Some examples were lyrics such as the heartbreaking, “I’ve gotten good at being alone,” in “That I’ll Know You” and the rejoicing of “Gone are the days of the dark shades of grey,” in “How Bright.”

A personal favorite of the night was “Cannonball.” This was the opening song on his 2000 album, The Low Ceiling. During that time, Stenson served as a front man for his band, Rhetoric Tuesday. Hearing the line “I’m so close but I’m so far” performed live gave it even more emotion than hearing it on a recording. You can feel the desperation he delivers with each note. Even with his front man experience, it seems pretty evident that Stenson much prefers the reflections of an acoustic solo artist.

He launched next into a slower paced cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Celica” interwoven with Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire” alts.

“You Already Know,” and “Carry On” were slightly older hits that told more stories of love, hope, heartbreak and courage.

“Say No More” was the newest song played in the set. This single was Stenson’s first release in 2015. The song was written as an earnest apology to his sister. It teaches us about the consequences of saying the wrong thing to loved ones.

Tyler Stenson
photo by Jessica Klausing

The show ended with the more upbeat “Best Laid Plans.”

 “This is one of my most optimistic songs. It came from a darker place in my life. I wrote it at a funeral,” said Stenson.

 He encouraged the audience to sing along with him. Soon enough the room was chanting, “You must believe what might have been, can yet still be.” This positive lyric seemed to spark a glimmer of hope within the audience. Throughout this emotional journey tonight it felt like there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Hearing Tyler Stenson live was definitely a memorable experience. His voice is a timeless blend of vulnerability and confidence. Many concerts are filled with orchestral arrangements and heavy production, which are great! Stenson proves that a strong voice and a guitar can leave just as much of a lasting impression.

Setlist:

Monday and a Mountain

The Arsonist

You Already Know

That I’ll Know You…

How Bright

Cannonball

Cecilia-Simon and Garfunkel cover with I’m On Fire alts by Bruce Springsteen

Carry On

Say No More

Best Laid Plans

CONCERT REVIEW: Foxtrax Celebrates EP Release at Molly Malone's

By Jessica Klausing

@FlipsideJess

Jon Stenz(drums), Ben Schneid (vocals/guitar) and Jared Stenz (bass) of FoxTrax

What does the FoxTrax band say?

They say it with plenty of self-motivating lyrics fused with blues driven guitars and a classic rock N’ roll vibe that results in a new indie pop sound. It’s organic and unique.

Ben Schneid (vocals/guitar), Jon Stenz (drums) and Jared Stenz (bass) celebrated the release of their new EP, “The Cabin” at Molly Malone's in Los Angeles last night.

Their EP and band name was inspired after a trip to North Carolina. The band was staying at a cabin in the mountains in hopes of finding musical inspiration. What the band found were fox tracks in the snow that led them to their name and life philosophy—“follow your foxtrax.”

It’s hard to believe that these guys have only made music for a year now. This Long Island trio sound like seasoned professionals that have toured together for a decade.

Ben Schneid
photo by Jessica Klausing

The band kicked off the night with “Feeling Alright.” Just imagine an electric blend of Foster The People, The Doors and Graham Colton Band.

During the second song, “Indie Rocker B,” Schneid encouraged the audience to clap, dance and move in closer to the stage. They were determined to make sure the audience had as much fun as they did that night.

 “This next song will show you where we came from,” said Schneid.

“Go It Alone” is about leaving the past behind you and going out in the world to do something great--Much like the band did as they left New York to pursue their dreams in Los Angeles.

“I grew up with all these houses on my street/ Each one looked the same/ Now I yearn so hard to get out on my feet/ So I run, to where it’s calling for me.”

You can feel the honesty in Schneid’s delivery. His rhythm guitar accompanies the soulful bass with the steady drum beats. The best part is nothing was overdone here. No flashing bells and whistles to drive the point. This was three musicians sharing an intimate part of their lives.

“Last Chance Blues,” “Dark of the Night” and “Everything’s Changing” follows the bluesy alternative theme of longing for something better.

“On the Run” was a grittier tune while “Waiting for You” and “City of Lights” shows off more of the band's classic rock arrangements.

Jon Stenz
photo by Jessica Klausing

Not only talented musicians but they proved to be quite the shows men as well.

Drummer Jon Stenz would twirl and toss his drumsticks in the air like a Color Guard from a marching band, Schneid would leap from the drum stand on occasion and at one point Bassist Jared Stenz was able to squat down on his heels during a solo without missing a chord!

These guys were quick like foxes so no photo was able to be caught of these zany stage antics.

The biggest highlight of the night was “Underwater.” The band just finished shooting a two day music video in the desert for this song. This song stood out among the others with its beautiful ambient vocal echoes and psychedelic bass chords.

Foxtrax closed out the night with “I’ll Be Back For You.” With their mature attention to detail and desire to incorporate the new with the classics—Foxtrax will be back.

Jared Stenz
photo by Jessica Klausing

The band made you feel you like you were in their living room while they played songs for their closest friends. With their charming demeanor and their inspiring lyrics, I left the venue wanting to follow my own foxtrax.

Setlist:

Feeling Alright

Indie Rocker B

Go It Alone

Last Chance Blues

Waiting For You

Dark Of The Night

On The Run

Everything’s Changing

City of Lights

Underwater

I’ll Be Back For You

RECAP: "Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses"-Master Quest Regales Fans

by Jessica Klausing

Video game soundtracks hold a special place in my heart. This comes from being introduced to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) at the age of five. Countless hours in my youth were spent saving the princess in another castle in Super Mario Brothers, navigating an aircraft in Starfox, exercising my mad fighting skills in Mortal Kombat, turning sharp curves in Mario Kart, battling reptilian pirates in Donkey Kong Country and swearing at difficult final bosses in just about every game!

 With epic adventures comes epic music. Nintendo has composed some of the most beautiful soundtracks ever. One in particular that caught my attention was The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. The music had connected with me on an emotional level. The soundtrack had transported me into a renaissance world of sacred temples, mythological beasts and a sense of coming of age. My inner twelve year old squealed with glee when I saw that Nintendo’s most beloved franchise, The Legend of Zelda was getting fully orchestrated.

I stood in line with thousands of Zelda fanatics outside the Walt Disney Concert hall in Los Angeles. The concert had sold out months in advance. Many cosplayers proudly donned their best Link and Zelda costumes while others wore Zelda and Nintendo themed attire. I even met up with a few fans that happily showed off their Zelda inspired tattoos.

The Legend of Zelda: “Symphony of the Goddesses” was in its third installment known as the Master Quest tour. The Master Quest tour featured new inclusions from the Zelda series such as a re-mastered Majora’s Mask and A Link between Worlds, the most recently released game at the time. Music was also included from Ocarina of Time, Wind Waker and Twilight Princess.

The symphony itself follows the same four movement setup from the previous tours. Scenes from various Zelda games were projected on a large screen overhead while the orchestra and the choir played onstage.

The show featured surprise video clips from series creators Shigeru Miyamoto, Eiji Aonuma, and composer Koji Kondo. They talked about the history of the series. The games were designed for the fans to grow alongside Link during his adventures. The music was a major key element in making the games so successful. All of the fans did share a mutual bond over the beautiful compositions that night.

From the iconic theme opener to the tear jerking victorious finale, the entire production was a nostalgic journey. Fans trekked cautiously through the desolate Gerudo Valley, gasped excitedly at the infamous, “It’s too dangerous to go alone” line, laughed as Link got attacked by Cucoos, and cheered at the defeat of Gannondorf. The hall thundered in applause after each piece. Clearly, this was not your typical classical arts symphony!

The biggest highlight of the night for me was the “Creation of Hyrule” prelude. The heavenly vocals of the choir sent chills down my spine as the Great Deku Tree regaled us in a tale of the triforce.

The only downside was the orchestra would soundtrack hop between the games. For example, the orchestra would play an a tune from Ocarina of Time then jump over to Twilight Princess then jump back to Ocarina of Time. This might just be the OCD in me talking here but I would prefer to hear an entire Zelda game soundtrack all the way through. No jumping back and forth.

I’ll admit, I was a bit saddened that my favorites, “Song of Storms” and “Temple of Time,” from Ocarina of Time were excluded from this performance. Hopefully, they will make it into future compositions. After all when young Link visits the Temple of Time was perhaps the most iconic scene in Ocarina of Time. The choirs’ vocals would have been deliciously haunting but I digress.

Overall, the show is a must see for any Zelda fan or video game soundtrack enthusiast for that matter. Even if you’re not into gaming, the synchronization between the clips from the games and the music being played was an uncanny experience. This is a great example of video game music played live in a brilliant and compelling manner.

The Legend of Zelda symphony is on the road again in 2016. This year will mark the franchise’s 30^th anniversary. Who knows what exciting and over the top surprises the producers will have for this tour! You can check out the tour schedule and get tickets here.

Setlist:

Act I

Overture

Interludes:

Gerudo Valley

Boss Battle Medley

Suite from Majora’s Mask

A Link between Worlds

The Symphony:

Prelude-The creation of Hyrule

Movement I- Ocarina of Time

Movement II- Wind Waker

Act II

Intermezzo-Great Fairy’s Fountain

Movement III- Twilight Princess

Movement IV- Time of the Falling Rain

Finale

I did a mini interview with Producer Jason Michael Paul after the show.

1. How do you go about choosing/piecing together the different compositions for each Zelda game?
We try to be mindful of what the fans want, so we of course try to add in the fan-favorites. But we also try to tell a larger narrative throughout the evening, so we include some lesser-known scores that really help take the audience to certain moments in time with the game. We also obviously try to include any new releases, for instance this year we have music from the new Majora's Mask 3D.

2. I heard that you were involved with the Zelda merchandise this year. Can you talk about your influence and thought process with it?

Again, we want to give fans pieces of merch that they'll love and connect back to the performance. Most of the influence comes from originator Zelda merch and is all approved by Nintendo to ensure its meeting brand guidelines.

3. How is the Master Quest tour different than the previous Zelda orchestras?

Master Quest reflects the newest music that is out there for Zelda - which means new Majora's Mask inclusions as well as music from A Link between Worlds.

4. Do you believe other popular Nintendo video games (Mario, Starfox, Donkey Kong, etc) will have their own orchestra tour in the future?
That'd be great! I think the other franchises would be successful of course, but I also think that Zelda reaches a broader and more deeply loyal audience. The Zelda franchise is nearly 30 years old and the music surrounding the game resonates with many people on an emotional level.

5. I know you were saying that the Zelda shows continue to evolve over time. Can you talk about what possible future plans you would like to incorporate for the next tour?


We like to keep it interesting! At the moment we're putting all of our effort into making Master Quest the ultimate Zelda experience - but we do have some future plans up our sleeves!

REVIEW: Coheed & Cambria Continue to Enlighten at Hollywood Palladium

By Jessica Klausing

Claudio Sanchez
photo by Jessica Klausing

Who doesn’t love them some Sci fy/Fantasy inspired music?

 Coheed and Cambria played to an ecstatic crowd at the Hollywood Palladium on Tuesday. Fans waited in line for over five hours just to ensure a good spot in front of the progressive rockers. The night kicked off with three opening bands: Silver Snakes, I The Mighty, and Glassjaw.

Silver Snakes
 photo by Jessica Klausing

Silver Snakes took the stage first. These guys reminded me of an early Deftones garage band. It felt like a time warp back to my middle school years in the early 2000s. The aggressive rhythm section fused with the gut bellowing choruses gave off an immaturity vibe. Alex Estrada can fill a room with his half growl, half scream vocals though! The sound was pretty decent if screamo is your thing.

I The Mighty
  photo by Jessica Klausing

I The Mighty was the next act to follow. The venue was already starting to get packed at this time. These guys were my favorite openers of the night. This quartet hyped up the crowd with their ambitious energy. Lead singer Brent Walsch encouraged plenty of pushing and shoving. Much to security displeasure, he invited fans to try to jump over the barrier to get onstage. Of course, nobody tried this in fear of getting kicked out. Walsch admitted to being a huge Coheed fan by showing off his band inspired key tattoo.

Glassjaw
 photo by Jessica Klausing

By the time Glassjaw came out, fans were already going berserk. You would have thought that these guys were the main headliners. The band showed off their esteemed brand of hardcore metal and experimental rock. Many of the fans were proudly singing along to “Tip Your Bartender” and their latest “New White Extremity.” Lead singer Daryl Palumbo was bouncing around like a jackrabbit throughout the entire set.

Claudio Sanchez performs "Ghost"
  photo by Jessica Klausing

            At 09:30PM, Claudio Sanchez and his unruly mane took the stage with lead guitarist Travis Stever. The duo opened with the acoustic “Ghost,” as blinding fluorescent lights shone down upon Sanchez. Fans cheered and eagerly pushed forward in an attempt to get closer to the stage. The seasoned rockers kept on with the graceful pace of the song. Those calming vocals and delicate guitar strumming were only just building up the anticipation ready to burst in the venue.

Josh Eppard
photo by Jessica Klausing

As soon as drummer Josh Eppard and bassist Zach Cooper took stage-- all hell broke loose! The band launched right into “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” to bring the pace back up. Jumping, pushing, thrashing, dancing, crowd surfing are just a taste of many antics to expect at Coheed shows.

One notable highlight was the excessive crowd surfing action during “No World Tomorrow.” Fans were flying towards the stage as if it were the end of times. This writer even received a minor injury from a soaring super fan.

Travis Stever
    photo by Jessica Klausing

The band toured in favor of their newest album, The Color Before the Sun. Half of the set list consisted of the brand new songs.

“Blood Red Summer,” “Island,” and “Everything Evil” followed the band’s traditional progressive rock flow. Sanchez has a one-of-a kind falsetto that just commands the attention in the room. His band mates are rock solid technical musicians. I can easily see why devoted fans would want to wait in line for hours.

Coheed and Cambria perform at the Hollywood Palladium
 photo by Jessica Klausing

            Coheed really stands out because of their unique ability to create something different. It is not too often you hear space agey synthesizers in today’s music. Sanchez captivated our imaginations with his powerful storytelling based off of his science fiction comics, The Armory War.

“The Favor House Atlantic” and “Here to Mars” were examples of this artistic imagery. Coheed really gets the point across with a mesmerizing LED light show. The lights were constantly changing colors and spinning out in different directions. It was a trippy experience!

“Peace to the Mountain” slowed things down with its calm, reflective message. “I learned to keep quiet/How to keep my distance/Afraid to let strangers in/How to keep my secrets.”

The band closed out the night with their biggest hit, “Welcome Home.” Sanchez shredded shamelessly on his double neck guitar while fans wailed out the “woahs.” This powerhouse metal ballad was the perfect note to send fans off.

SETLIST:

1. Ghost

2. In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3

3. Blood Red Summer

4. Island

5. Everything Evil

6. Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant

7. A Favor House Atlantic

8. Here to Mars

9. The Hard Sell

10. No World Tomorrow

11. Atlas

12. The Audience

13. Peace to the Mountain

ENCORE:

14. You Got Spirit, Kid

15. Eraser

16. Welcome Home

REVIEW: Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band/Elephant Revival's Sermon to the Fonda Theatre

By Jessica Klausing

@FlipsideJess

Josh Ritter with drummer Liam Hurley
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band serenaded fans at the Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, CA on January 19 with a slew of brand new songs from the new album, Sermon on the Rocks (2015). The night was filled with heartfelt lyrics, foot-stompin’-hand-clappin’ folk melodies and of course, lots of smiling!

Elephant Revival
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Elephant Revival opened the show with “Birds and Stars” from their 2013 album, These Changing Skies. This acoustic quintet’s style can be described as transcendental folk rock.  Their music incorporates a smorgasbord of Scottish/Celtic, bluegrass, jazz, indie rock with a twang of psychedelic country. Just think if Americana had crashed a Yiddish party, this is how it would sound. I was quite impressed with their musical arrangements. For starters, I have never seen anyone rock out on a washboard and musical saw like Bonnie Paine!

Bonnie Paine
photo by Jessica Klausing

         “Quill Pen Feather” shows off the band’s more country western rockin’ side with Bridget Law’s violin infused with bittersweet literary imagery: “You were throwing colors/ Upon canvas walls/Your words cut through the human/Mending wounds but still bleeding.”

            The highlight for me was the beautiful acapella, “Raven Song,” which proves that a band does not need intense instrumentals to make a profound song. Instead, Paine’s haunting vibrato calls out to the weary: “Some say that that upon that mountain/There is many a raven/They call out to the living/From somewhere far beyond them/From those we love that have flown on.”

            ElephantRevival’s new album releases in April. It’ll be worth your time to give them a listen.

Josh Ritter
photo by Jessica Klausing

            Josh Ritter took stage dressed in a paint-stained blue jumpsuit in front of a colorful mountain canvas. This was the exact same outfit and backdrop as seen on the cover of his new album, Sermon on the Rocks (2015).

            Ritter crooned right into the acoustic guitar opener, “Good Man,” from The Animal Years (2006). The rest of the band came on stage next for the upbeat, “Birds of a Meadow.” This was one of the songs off his new album. Each time Ritter belted out, “Fire is Coming. Fire is Coming,” the red stage lights illuminated the mountain backdrop like a spreading wildfire.

These colorful stage lights helped set the mood for Ritter’s playful storytelling. Whether it was a dark blue night sky during the heart wrenching, “In the Dark” or a rainbow aurora during the “You are the Northern Lights/They try to shine through your curtains/You’re too close and too bright,” part of “Kathleen,” it was a breathtaking sight to be seen!

Ritter was all smiles and beaming energy for the entire set. Literally, the entire set. It was often hard to take the darker songs seriously like, “Engine Engine Number 9” and “Girl in the War” because of all the smiling. However, Ritter’s big smile was so infectious that you just couldn’t help yourself but to grin and bounce along too. It was evident that he really enjoys performing!

“We have lots of new songs to go through. It’ll be a lot like speed dating,” joked Ritter.

Josh Kaufman
                photo by Jessica Klausing

His newer album was recorded in New Orleans, like the city, the music showcases plenty of zesty spirit. “Getting Ready to Get Down” and “Where the Night Goes” are prime examples of this with the electrifying guitar delivery by Josh Kaufman. The audience would cheer and clap alongside Ritter and the band.

Sam Kassirer
             photo by Jessica Klausing

It was Sam Kassirer’s hauntingly beautiful piano introduction of “Homecoming” that really captivated me.  Those graceful chords really honed in with Ritter’s “I’m headed home” lyric. It was an excellent way to conclude the emotional journey Ritter shared with us that night.

Zack Hickman
                photo by Jessica Klausing

No encore would be complete without “To the Dogs or Whoever,” from The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter (2007). This was the ultimate crowd favorite as the audience would scream out “In the dark I thought I heard somebody call.” The enthusiasm ended the show on a high note as Ritter and his band mates took a heartfelt bow.

 Josh Ritter and The Royal City Band will continue their 2016 U.S tour in San Francisco, CA on January 20 and will conclude May 29 in Charleston, SC.   

Setlist:

Good Man

Birds of the Meadow

Young Moses

A Big Enough Sky

Right Moves

Henrietta, Indiana

New Lover

Seeing Me ‘Round

Where the Night Goes

Cumberland

The Stone

In the Dark

Engine Engine Number 9

Hello Starling

Bonfire

Girl in the War

Rumors

Getting Ready to Get Down

Homecoming

Encore:

The Temptation of Adam

Kathleen

To the Dogs or Whoever