Concert Reviews | Slide and Banjo

Mempho Music Festival returns with a musical vengeance

October 15, 2021
Slide & Banjo

As Covid-19 ravaged the globe, the concert industry was hit harder than most. Touring musicians, their crews, music venues…few were spared the hardship of a world that just shut down. As vaccines became readily available, though, there was a glimmer of hope; the industry adapted, and music fans once again were able to watch the bands they love. 2021 Mempho Music Fest, headlined by Widespread Panic and the Avett Brothers, returned the first weekend of October and provided a cathartic release for bands and fans alike.

Grateful Shred: Hotter than Nashville Chicken

September 9, 2021
Marty Halpern

Prior to the covid outbreak, there wasn’t a band more certain to explode in popularity than Grateful Shred. Founded on a whim in 2016, the rotating crew of California crooners found a niche with their take on the early 70’s era Grateful Dead sound.

Langhorne Slim returns to Atlanta

August 24, 2021
Spiegs

When Langhorne Slim took the stage at Atlanta’s Terminal West on August 19, it was a momentous occasion. For many in the crowd, this was the first “real” concert during the pandemic, and you got the vibe it was one of the band’s first as well. Slim (Sean Scolnick), Paul Defiglia (stand-up bass) and Mat “Twain” Davidson (slide guitar, banjo, violin) gave 100% energy, and expressed genuine appreciation for the ability to simply perform for an audience.

Westville no match for JRAD

July 9, 2021
Marty Halpern

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead finished the second half of its “Go to Haven” concert series at New Haven, Connecticut’s Westville Music Bowl with three more dominating performances. While the shows in May were rain-filled, the sun this time around made everyone in attendance joyous as they walked onto the former tennis courts.

JRAD serves up a straight set victory over Westville

June 9, 2021
Marty Halpern

Nearly 500 days since they last played in front of fans, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead kicked off their post-pandemic 2021 touring schedule with three rainy sold out shows at a tennis center now known as the Westville Music Bowl.

Old Crow and Molly Tuttle take the stage in Alpharetta

October 29, 2020
Spiegs

On October 26, Old Crow Medicine Show played their first drive-in show at Ameris Bank Amphitheater in Alpharetta, Georgia. It wasn’t just their first drive in show, though. It was their time on stage in front of an audience since Covid-19 rocked our world (in a bad way). It’s been a rough seven months for everyone, but performers must perform, and the band’s excitement and energy was palpable.

Back to semi-normal with Jason Isbell at The Caverns

October 23, 2020
Slide & Banjo

Jason Isbell, The Caverns, 10/11/2020. |. Photo: Erika Goldring

I spent my 43rd birthday at a Jason Isbell concert, which – on its face – isn’t noteworthy. After all, I’ve spent plenty of birthdays, New Years Eves, and anniversaries at concerts. But those were when the world was normal. In 2020, we’re all in the middle of public health scare that has decimated the live entertainment world.

JRAD Strengthens Its Roots

March 4, 2020
Marty Halpern

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead kicked off their 2020 touring schedule with a three-night sold out run at Port Chester, NY’s The Capitol Theatre from February 21-23. The band instantly picked up where they left off in 2019, as the energy the quintet created every night was palpable. While the focus of the weekend was on the band’s continued musical growth, what the weekend really proved was they are expanding their base, and the fans have no problem with it.

Ani DiFranco inspires in Fort Collins

February 19, 2020
Slide & Banjo

Words/Photos: Jake Cudek
One of the hottest tickets over this past weekend in Fort Collins was to the performance of the legendary, revolutionary Ani DiFranco. Performing on February 8 at the newly renovated, intimate Washington’s in the Old Town District, DiFranco’s return was highly anticipated, reflected in the fact that her show sold out the day tickets went on sale.

Trigger Hippy growls its way to the finish line in Memphis

December 31, 2019
Marty Halpern

Words / Photos: Marty Halpern
After spending much of the last two months on the road supporting their latest album Full Circle and Then Some, Trigger Hippy played its next to last concert of the tour at Growlers in Memphis on December 20. While there is no direct connection between the band and Memphis, there seemed to be a familiar, family vibe throughout the venue all night. Before the show, almost every member of the band could be seen shooting pool or just hanging out in the crowd.