dawes

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…