Two nights ago I caught a show at a place I haven’t stepped foot inside for over eight years, the 20th Century Theater in Oakley. It seems that the venue has hosted more weddings than concerts over the years, but I think it is slowly trending back towards a live music venue. The floor does not have the best layout, with a rail divider running across it horizontally, but the multiple tiers actually provide decent sight-lines even when those in the back are sitting around tables rather than standing. Plus the sound was way better inside than I remembered it to be. I hope it doesn’t take me as long to make another appearance at the historic theater.

Marquee

The opening act for the night was Greg Holden,  a New York-based British singer-songwriter. He co-wrote Phillip Phillips’ debut single “Home” so he certainly has great song-writing ability. I walked in about fifteen minutes after he started his set with Jay Foote on bass along with The Lone Bellow touring drummer Brian Griffin. At times his music was a little too quiet and subdued for the rather loud audience but I think his quirky comedic banter between songs may have encouraged it. Either way he appeared to be having a great time and even said that it was his favorite show of the tour so far.

The Lone Bellow

This was my second time this year seeing The Lone Bellow, a folk rock band from Brooklyn, NY. The first time was a late night free show in May with very few people in attendance. This time around I think that word has spread very quickly about this band and the crowd was easily double or triple in size.

Completely Unplugged

Lead vocalist Zach Williams has an amazing command over the crowd, so much so that the core trio of musicians was able to perform a couple of songs completely unplugged from both sides of the stage. The crowd was amazingly silent during these performances, but very loud when the more upbeat songs called for it. The trio of musicians (Williams along with Kanene Donehey Pipkin on mandolin and Brian Elmquist on guitar) produce amazing vocal harmonies and are joined by touring musicians Jason Pipkin (Kanene’s husband) on bass and the previously mentioned Brian Griffin on drums.

Encore

I bet the next time they come to town it won’t be to play the 20th Century, though I wish that it would be. You are more likely to find them playing the Madison Theater or some other mid-sized venue. This band is definitely going places and is much on the rise. Check out their self titled and Kickstarter funded debut album that was released earlier this year. You will not be disappointed.