2008.10.25
Old Crow Medicine Show at Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre
Here's the print review.
Two warnings if you go see a show here. First and most important: Get your beer wristband before the show starts. The givers-of-wristbands had left the building by intermission, making me very sad. Second: Don't go outside, because security won't let you back in. I'm not sure if those rules were for this show only. Smokers, the venue has a balcony you can access from indoors, if you want to smoke.
These guys -- Ketch Secor, Morgan Jahnig and Willie Watson, from left to right in photo -- put on a hot show, and I have to say, it was getting a little stinky in the building by the end of it. People were working up sweat, many standing by their auditorium seats, choosing to flatfoot and bop around instead.
The beginning of the show was rough, sonically. Some high-end volume made my eardrums rattle. By the second set, that was under control, but then it was the audience cheers and applause that rattled the eardrums.
If I were betting, I'd put my money on the guess many in the crowd moved from the theater to some extremely wild parties.
The band is really good at covering those high-tempo, old-time dance numbers, and they've incorporated that vibe really well into their own songs. Harrisonburg native Ketch Secor, the frontman, spoke in a southern drawl that was kind of reminiscent of a hillbilly Foghorn Leghorn. But here's a little secret: In normal conversation, his dialect is closer to that of a laid-back, upstate New York guy.
That's not a knock on him. My own accent can drift between Northeast Tennessee and a couple of longtime childhood friends who had moved there from up north. But it was interesting to hear the one he chooses when he's onstage in front of a roomful of Southern rowdies.
We enjoyed the concert from the loge. It was great to see the very full performing arts theater. We have followed these guys since their appearance at the Salem Bluegrass Festival (so sad to see that one go). And after last year's small rowdy crowd that eventually made their way on stage, we were releived to see that OCMS decided to come back to the area.
Hopefully later today my ears will stop ringing.
Comment by Kim — October 26, 2008 @ 11:20 am
i grew up in roanoke but now live in charlotte, nc. i was THOROUGHLY disappointed in the roanoke civic center. 3 drink limit????? a real venue to see OCMS is at the neighborhood theater in charlotte. phenomenal vibe and no drink limit and you can go outside and come back in....no q's asked. im never goin back to a show in noke......just my two cents.
Comment by john — October 27, 2008 @ 10:30 am
I spoke with Robyn Schon, the civic center's acting director, after the show. She said that if the venue's planners had realized what a party it was going to be, they would've gone with the half-hall configuration in the coliseum. They might still have a beer limit in the bigger room, but at least you can step outside to smoke in a designated area, and still be allowed back in.
I've got to check out the Neighborhood Theater. This is not the first I've heard of it, and I realize they bring in a lot of good music.
Comment by Tad — October 27, 2008 @ 11:24 am
http://www.neighborhoodtheatre.com/
Saturday 12/06/08
the main hall has no seating which encourages dancing........oh yeah-the band is literally like 3 ft from the crowd.......great place to see any act!
Comment by john — October 27, 2008 @ 11:30 am
We have been long time fans of OCMS and were not disappointed Sat. night. OC plays their hearts out everytime we see them and are truly talented musicians. Additionally, this was our oldest daughter's FIRST indoor concert ( at the rip 'ole age of 4)and she was totally ecstatic to hear Wagon Wheel and Tell it to Me. Great show!
Comment by Jennifer — October 27, 2008 @ 2:46 pm
I meant to get back to this entry sooner. Jennifer, I'm glad your daughter had a blast -- baby's first case of tinnitis! haha!
Comment by Tad — October 30, 2008 @ 4:30 pm
Oh thanks for INCREASING my already guilty feelings of parental ineptitude because I did not put cotton in her ears! She is STILL talking about it and asking when we are going to the place with all the lights to hear more music!
Comment by Jennifer — November 5, 2008 @ 10:46 am
I do what I can! I'm glad she's got the live music fever, though. That's the best.
Comment by Tad — November 5, 2008 @ 10:56 am