This past Friday, an unforgettable evening occurred in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, when the Infamous Stringdusters performed at XL Live, showcasing their distinctive spin on bluegrass music. Situated just south of Harrisburg, XL Live is a superb venue that provides the ideal environment for listening to music and enjoying the ambiance. From those who wanted to dance in the spotlight to those seeking a more laid-back experience, the facility accommodated all tastes with its numerous rooms and sections.
XL Live’s gorgeous outdoor patio was one of its most notable attractions, where many concertgoers congregated. With tiki torches surrounding the exterior walls and a large tree as the centerpiece, the patio created a relaxed atmosphere that starkly contrasts with Harrisburg’s urban setting. Following a recent lunar eclipse that gave the evening a mystical touch, the weather was ideal, bringing us out of the long winter. It was time to dance off that frost.
The Infamous Stringdusters’ undeniable connection and talent were on full display as soon as they took the stage. The audience was up and dancing from the very beginning, thanks to the five-piece band, which included Travis Book, the bassist who had just returned for his second show after a hiatus due to a bike injury; Jeremy Garrett on fiddle; Andy Hall on dobro; Andy Falco on guitar; and Chris Pandolfi on banjo. They each make their instrument their own and command the song at different points. They do a killer job of sharing the stage and spotlight seamlessly, and they are known for bunching together at other times of the song to jam away. After performing in Saratoga Springs, New York, the previous evening, they undoubtedly brought a killer energy to XL Live.
The Stringdusters got right into their first set and performed some well-known songs, such as “Planets,” “Highway Paved with Pain,” “Head Over Heels,” “Poor Boys Delight,” and “Down the Road.” Each member of this group is a master at their instrument, and it really brings out an emotional connection to the music. The audience was completely enthralled, clapping, cheering, and bumping along to the tune.
To start the second set, The Stringdusters dazzled us with one of their most popular hits, “Just Like Heaven,” which made it easy for everyone to find their groove and melt into the message the music was providing. It brought a little additional sparkle to the evening.
Additionally, the group pleased everyone by performing a cover of “Casey Jones,” a Grateful Dead classic. The Infamous Stringdusters’ ability to transform timeless melodies into their own is one of the many things that makes them stand out as a band. Another notable song from the second set was “Fork in the Road,” which felt personal to a large portion of the crowd. Many times, those who think of bluegrass expect it to be a simple, predictable tune, but the Dusters shatter that expectation by taking you along for a thrilling ride of sound.
The band made a note to have us all sing Happy Birthday and record it as a gift to a great friend who would soon be celebrating a big milestone year, and it was a sweet moment of unity. They danced us through a number of other songs and amped it up until the final crescendo, where the crowd, of course, cheered and begged for an encore, which they obliged. While roots artists like Lumineers, Hozier, and Red Clay Strays are playing stadiums, let us not forget the ones that helped pave the way – like Infamous Stringdusters.
