It has been a long time since this blog has seen an update. Instagram is seductive. A single photo quickly pushed to multiple social media networks with only a line or two of text. Very easy. No thought to formatting, no writing to speak of, and no effort choosing photos.
On the other hand, Instagram is only a fleeting glimpse. Photos lack context and don't provide a full view of an event. Minimal text means there is no opportunity to provide narrative description or critique.
I have a backlog of photos and experiences that deserve longer form treatment and I will be trying to get back to more regular blogging. Hopefully improvements in Squarespace over the last year will make this easy.
Back in February of 2013, I went to 9:30 Club to see Sarah Jarosz open for some band I had never heard of, the Punch Brothers. More on that show here. Unfortunately on that night Sarah was sick, but I came away a new fan of Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers. I have since seen them again in Richmond, as well as some members of the band solo. In getting to know the Punch Brothers better, I of course wanted to understand their history. When I saw a Nickel Creek show pop up on the calendar at 9:30 Club, I had to go.
The show was sold out, and the audience knew the music well. Nickel Creek turned out to be fantastic. Bands play their best when they have a passionate audience, and the chemistry on Sunday night was excellent. Washington is a bluegrass passionate city, and the audience was in sing along mode. Chris, Sara and Sean all seemed to draw on the enthusiasm of the audience, and played a fabulous show.
The opening band, The Secret Sisters, were also amazing. "Naturals" would probably be an understatement. Lydia and Laura were amazing. Both of their albums are fantastic.
Enjoy the pics.
