Rich Robinson of the Black Crowes is making good use of his main band’s extended hiatus by releasing an album and touring behind it. The Rich Robinson Tour will run
Alison Krauss and Union Station w/ Jerry Douglas + Dawes @ Wolf Trap Foundation For Performing Arts – August 7
Words and Photos: Grace Beehler
While most people clear out of major metropolitan areas during August, heading to large bodies of water to escape the brutal heat and humidity, some of those left behind showed up to Wolf Trap to see Alison Krauss and Union Station and Dawes. The sold-out show took place at the stunning architectural masterpiece that is Wolf Trap Foundation for Performing Arts, just outside Washington, D.C., on one of the hottest, most humid nights of the summer.
But the thunderstorms in the afternoon and the suffocating heat did not deter concertgoers, who came prepared. The lawn was packed with picnickers: wine, cheese, artisanal sandwiches and hors d’oeuvres (no heady grilled cheeses or veggie burritos here). Many even brought their own wine glasses to avoid drinking out of the dreaded red plastic cups. It was a classy affair Sunday night at Wolf Trap.
Dawes came on promptly at 8PM and seemed surprised to face an already-packed house. The California-based foursome – Taylor Goldsmith (lead vocals/guitar), Griffin Goldsmith (drums), Wylie Gelber (bass) and Tay Strathairn (keyboard) – is currently on the road promoting Nothing Is Wrong, the band’s second album released in June.
READ ON for more of Grace’s take on Dawes and Alison Krauss…
While one festival, Outside Lands, kicks off tomorrow in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park [read DaveO’s preview], we turn our attention to another event held in the historic park –
On August 23, HT faves Surprise Me Mr. Davis will hopefully kick off a Canadian Tour following a set at the Liberate Music Festival in Sheldon, Vermont on the 20th.
The Newport Folk Festival, held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, RI on July 30th and 31st, 2011.
Civilian is the most concise and compelling example of Wye Oak’s artistry, unafraid to leap into the depths of sorrow, heartbreak and melancholy, but without losing their sense of adventure and humor. It’s certainly one of the finest releases of 2011, and is worthy of the praise through and through.
