Dan Griffin
Tucked off the main strip Dan Griffin, best know as a former member of the Arkells, was about to begin a set of music under his own name. I hadn't heard any of his music but was open to what appeared would be a solo male acoustic set. Often times this is a yawn, with so many only moderately talented men attempting this and failing to engage. But not Dan. Dan had a snide confidence that endeared the smallish but engaged crowd seated around the tables and chairs. His music was performed solely on the guitar but had some heart to it and he lyrics told relatable stories, plus had a damn good Dylan impression. Besides that his banter was random and amusing, allowing him to win me over easily. A fine set that really turned me on to his music. Often I'm looking for an escape after a couple of singer songwriter's songs but in this case I will go out of my way to watch him again.
Ill Scarlett
Ill Scarlett seem not to have changed much in their years since the mild success of All Day With It. In fact they are still a few months from the release of their next album so the set still pulled from the aforementioned primarily. Perhaps it is me and my musical tastes that have changed but the punk rock reggae sound doesn't draw me all that much these days. That said the live show, and the energy of the performers did draw me back, at least momentarily, to those raucous late nights of especially youthful partying and road trips. It truly was enjoyable, even if the majority of that was for nostalgia. A nice touch was their loyal Nirvana opening into Nothing Special. Granted I caught only a couple off the top as well as a few near the end, like Mary Jane, but it was decent fun.
Abrams Brothers
There seemed to be a gaggle of Abrams Brothers playing your classic folk country assortment of instruments. However where I was expecting touches of Mumford and Sons I really was getting mostly country and not much to catch my ear. Mind you the distraction of friends whose catching up was in my ear may have played into that.
USS
A hype squad the boys in USS have unbelievable stage presence. Their music is undeniably upbeat and fun too but their onstage antics really push the point across. These guys were literally bounding across the stage, doing round-offs and headstands. Actually the headstand was while clapping his feet AND reaching up to scratch a record on the table - impressive! It's all over the top right down to the dressed up Santa doll but it sure is fun.
Royal Wood
Royal sets the tone in his fashion. An elegant, romantic set of music awaits as you sit down to watch and he sits down to play. From the piano bench he can bring such emotion forward and draw it out of the audience. This show was no difference. Being an afternoon set at the Sound of Music festival the crowd was primarily middle aged parents but the music touches home with most anyone with a heart, for friends, family, loved ones. Stay classy.
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