Concerts/Tours
Concert Reviews are listed in order of the artist's first name.
Ani DiFranco Live in Concert in Seattle
Ani DiFranco tackles the more rocking selections with a speed and ferocity that can only come from years of familiarity with the tunes. Aware of her semi-recent bout with tendonitis in both her hands, it's hard to not fear her wrists might snap right off in the middle of the intense, pounding guitar solos of "Two Little Girls."
Ani DiFranco tackles the more rocking selections with a speed and ferocity that can only come from years of familiarity with the tunes. Aware of her semi-recent bout with tendonitis in both her hands, it's hard to not fear her wrists might snap right off in the middle of the intense, pounding guitar solos of "Two Little Girls."
Arlo Guthrie - Benaroya Hall (Seattle, WA 3/21/06)
With the third anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war having just passed, and New Orleans and its neighbors still recovering from the natural, humanitarian, and political disaster that took place around Hurricane Katrina, it’s no secret what’s on Arlo Guthrie’s mind tonight.
With the third anniversary of the beginning of the Iraq war having just passed, and New Orleans and its neighbors still recovering from the natural, humanitarian, and political disaster that took place around Hurricane Katrina, it’s no secret what’s on Arlo Guthrie’s mind tonight.
Bob Schneider - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA, 11/3/07)
Bob Schneider is one of those artists whose work is memorable and innovative, but nobody ever knows who he is. So it's a pleasant surprise that, while I'm waiting in line, the folks from Tractor Tavern come outside to tape "Sold Out" signs to every window near the venue's entrance.
Bob Schneider is one of those artists whose work is memorable and innovative, but nobody ever knows who he is. So it's a pleasant surprise that, while I'm waiting in line, the folks from Tractor Tavern come outside to tape "Sold Out" signs to every window near the venue's entrance.
Brandi Carlile - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR, 10/25/07
It's been almost seven months since Brandi Carlile's breakthrough album The Story hit stores, and as long since she and her band by the same name hit the road in support of the record. That's a long time to be cooped up in a bus, sleep-deprived and lacking for a good meal. So it's no wonder the band looked a little road-weary at the start of their set at Portland's Crystal Ballroom.
It's been almost seven months since Brandi Carlile's breakthrough album The Story hit stores, and as long since she and her band by the same name hit the road in support of the record. That's a long time to be cooped up in a bus, sleep-deprived and lacking for a good meal. So it's no wonder the band looked a little road-weary at the start of their set at Portland's Crystal Ballroom.
Brandi Carlile - Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA 6/27/07)
Brandi Carlile returns home, fresh on the success of her sophomore effort The Story to rock an outdoor concert for her hometown crowd.
Brandi Carlile returns home, fresh on the success of her sophomore effort The Story to rock an outdoor concert for her hometown crowd.
Brandi Carlile - Triple Door (Seattle, WA 3/30/07)
Last time About.com Folk Music went to see Brandi Carlile in concert, she was performing at Western Washington University for a room full of curious coeds. That was over a year ago, and now she's back at one of Seattle's nicest mid-size concert venues.
Last time About.com Folk Music went to see Brandi Carlile in concert, she was performing at Western Washington University for a room full of curious coeds. That was over a year ago, and now she's back at one of Seattle's nicest mid-size concert venues.
Brandi Carlile - Bellhingham, WA
Curled up on a too-small couch, in a too-small dressing room of Western Washington University's Performing Arts Center, Brandi Carlile fiddles with the leaves of a fake plastic tree hanging over her head while she describes life on the road.
Curled up on a too-small couch, in a too-small dressing room of Western Washington University's Performing Arts Center, Brandi Carlile fiddles with the leaves of a fake plastic tree hanging over her head while she describes life on the road.
Brett Dennen - Chop Suey (Seattle, WA 3/11/07)
California singer/songwriter Brett Dennen may not be a household name, but he's still selling out rooms all across the country with his soulful blend of folk, pop and reggae.
California singer/songwriter Brett Dennen may not be a household name, but he's still selling out rooms all across the country with his soulful blend of folk, pop and reggae.
Dan Bern Live in Concert With Michael Merenda (11/15/06)
On November 15, 2006, Dan Bern returned to Seattle to perform for a packed room. His opener was Michael Merenda, traveling solo on hiatus from his band The Mammals. By the time Bern hit the stage, the crowd was pumped and prepared to be stunned.
On November 15, 2006, Dan Bern returned to Seattle to perform for a packed room. His opener was Michael Merenda, traveling solo on hiatus from his band The Mammals. By the time Bern hit the stage, the crowd was pumped and prepared to be stunned.
Dan Bern - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, 10/6/05)
On this particular evening in cool, rainy Seattle, this odd amalgamation of people gathered together in a dark Ballard bar eager to hear some good songs, and ready to yodel.
On this particular evening in cool, rainy Seattle, this odd amalgamation of people gathered together in a dark Ballard bar eager to hear some good songs, and ready to yodel.
Dar Williams - Moore Theatre (Seattle, WA 10/19/05)
Dar Williams' career is defined by her outstanding performances, and her October 19th show at Seattle’s Moore Theatre was no exception.
Dar Williams' career is defined by her outstanding performances, and her October 19th show at Seattle’s Moore Theatre was no exception.
Dixie Chicks Live in Concert
Grassrock country-pop group the Dixie Chicks started their career playing lightning-fast bluegrass on the streets of Texas, but entered the national spotlight as somewhat of a mainstream country act. Now, the group has conscientiously turned back to their bluegrass roots and reached out into the arena of protest music.
Grassrock country-pop group the Dixie Chicks started their career playing lightning-fast bluegrass on the streets of Texas, but entered the national spotlight as somewhat of a mainstream country act. Now, the group has conscientiously turned back to their bluegrass roots and reached out into the arena of protest music.
Eilen Jewell - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 12/5/07)
Jewell, however, proved that you don't need a seriously packed house to put on a great show. Clearly no stranger to the odd moods of bar crowds, she even took some time to participate in a question-and-answer segment after some guy in the back yelled out, "I've got a question."
Jewell, however, proved that you don't need a seriously packed house to put on a great show. Clearly no stranger to the odd moods of bar crowds, she even took some time to participate in a question-and-answer segment after some guy in the back yelled out, "I've got a question."
Gillian Welch - Paramount Theatre (Seattle, 10/14/05)
Gillian has the rare gift of making her audience forget they’re listening to a melody. Her whole being is in the song, so much that you nearly forget it’s a melody you’re hearing, but instead you receive it as if it were a quiet, earnest tale of huge import.
Gillian has the rare gift of making her audience forget they’re listening to a melody. Her whole being is in the song, so much that you nearly forget it’s a melody you’re hearing, but instead you receive it as if it were a quiet, earnest tale of huge import.
Indigo Girls - Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA 6/29/08)
The Indigo Girls have made a habit of returning every summer and, the past few years, local alt-country singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has made a habit of making a "surprise" appearance.
The Indigo Girls have made a habit of returning every summer and, the past few years, local alt-country singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile has made a habit of making a "surprise" appearance.
Indigo Girls - Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle WA 6/17/07)
Maybe it was the rain, or maybe it's just the excellence of their decades-long collaboration, but the Indigo Girls showed no signs of letting any of it slow them down.
Maybe it was the rain, or maybe it's just the excellence of their decades-long collaboration, but the Indigo Girls showed no signs of letting any of it slow them down.
Indigo Girls - Woodland Park Zoo
Through the course of their show, the Girls blend their classic hits with some truly compelling new material. It can be awkward when artists with tried and true hits bring out their unknown songs, but the Indigo Girls are such prolific and skilled writers, their fans are happy to hear it all.
Through the course of their show, the Girls blend their classic hits with some truly compelling new material. It can be awkward when artists with tried and true hits bring out their unknown songs, but the Indigo Girls are such prolific and skilled writers, their fans are happy to hear it all.
The Indigo Girls Live in Seattle Photo Gallery
On July 2, 2006, the Indigo Girls played a show at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. Here are some pictures from that evening.
On July 2, 2006, the Indigo Girls played a show at Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo. Here are some pictures from that evening.
Indigo Girls with Bitch and the Exciting Conclusion - McCaw Hall
The Indigo Girls are back, and this time they brought a band. Most notable about this evening’s show, however, is the fact that the famously nice folk-pop duo is appearing on Seattle Opera’s home turf. It’s not every day when folksingers perform in opera houses, and you can almost feel Verdi turn over in his grave when New York City-based Bitch hits the stage.
The Indigo Girls are back, and this time they brought a band. Most notable about this evening’s show, however, is the fact that the famously nice folk-pop duo is appearing on Seattle Opera’s home turf. It’s not every day when folksingers perform in opera houses, and you can almost feel Verdi turn over in his grave when New York City-based Bitch hits the stage.
Infamous Stringdusters - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 6/28/07)
The last time the Infamous Stringdusters came to town, [Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival was in full swing. They headed up a sweet, quiet set at the festival’s old church location, followed by several other sets on the main and other stages. It was no secret that this all-star band from Nashville was a rising star on the scene.
The last time the Infamous Stringdusters came to town, [Wintergrass Bluegrass Festival was in full swing. They headed up a sweet, quiet set at the festival’s old church location, followed by several other sets on the main and other stages. It was no secret that this all-star band from Nashville was a rising star on the scene.
Iron and Wine - The Moore Theater (Seattle, WA 12/3/07)
Iron and Wine's Sam Beam is a big, tall, hairy guy whose onstage persona would lead you to believe he's the kind of man who captures spiders to let them out of the house, rather than squash them. If his songs were living things, they, too, would probably free bugs.
Iron and Wine's Sam Beam is a big, tall, hairy guy whose onstage persona would lead you to believe he's the kind of man who captures spiders to let them out of the house, rather than squash them. If his songs were living things, they, too, would probably free bugs.
Jeffrey Foucault - Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
Jeffrey Foucault could almost make me want to play a Martin, except that I reckon he could make even my old beat-up Alvarez sound just as good. Even though he takes the stage in a “fashionably late” sort of way, by the time his fabulous shoes start tapping, he’s got the whole room mesmerized.
Jeffrey Foucault could almost make me want to play a Martin, except that I reckon he could make even my old beat-up Alvarez sound just as good. Even though he takes the stage in a “fashionably late” sort of way, by the time his fabulous shoes start tapping, he’s got the whole room mesmerized.
Justin Townes Earle - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 3/22/08)
With a name like Justin Townes Earle (son of Steve Earle, named for Townes Van Zandt), the bar was set kind of high. There's a certain expectation for the son of one of America's great protest singer-songwriters/alt-country artists. Needless to say, Justin Townes Earle delivered on all fronts.
With a name like Justin Townes Earle (son of Steve Earle, named for Townes Van Zandt), the bar was set kind of high. There's a certain expectation for the son of one of America's great protest singer-songwriters/alt-country artists. Needless to say, Justin Townes Earle delivered on all fronts.
Kate Walsh - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 5/13/08)
Amoeba Music likes to present the world with great new, young singer-songwriters, and they did an okay job this spring when they compiled a trio of women singer-songwriters to hit the road together. Headlining the traveling bill is Kate Walsh...
Amoeba Music likes to present the world with great new, young singer-songwriters, and they did an okay job this spring when they compiled a trio of women singer-songwriters to hit the road together. Headlining the traveling bill is Kate Walsh...
Kris Delmhorst Live in Seattle
Delmhorst’s stage presence is electric. If she’s not singing in her most exquisitely captivating mezzo, she’s summing her songs up with humor and honesty (about Lord Byron, she says, “This is from a poem about that feeling you get when you’ve slept with one too many little Greek boys”).
Delmhorst’s stage presence is electric. If she’s not singing in her most exquisitely captivating mezzo, she’s summing her songs up with humor and honesty (about Lord Byron, she says, “This is from a poem about that feeling you get when you’ve slept with one too many little Greek boys”).
Kris Delmhorst - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 3/9/08)
Kris Delmhorst's Seattle set was constructed predominately of songs from her forthcoming album, 'Shotgun Singer.' Backed up by the Winterpills, her songs were able to take on the band's dreamy qualities. Reed offered a sweet balance of close, tight harmonies to Delmhorst's often gritty alto.
Kris Delmhorst's Seattle set was constructed predominately of songs from her forthcoming album, 'Shotgun Singer.' Backed up by the Winterpills, her songs were able to take on the band's dreamy qualities. Reed offered a sweet balance of close, tight harmonies to Delmhorst's often gritty alto.
KT Tunstall - Crocodile Cafe (Seattle, WA 1/27/06)
Acoustic Folk-pop/rock singer/songwriter KT Tunstall rolled in Seattle on Friday, January 27, to impress a room full of music fans with her innovative wiles.
Acoustic Folk-pop/rock singer/songwriter KT Tunstall rolled in Seattle on Friday, January 27, to impress a room full of music fans with her innovative wiles.
Laura Veirs - Triple Door (Seattle, WA 5/2/08)
As we settled in for what turned out to be a set made mostly of songs from 'Saltbreakers,' it became more and more intriguing to see how Veirs—who, on the record, created a universe of sound with a large band of many instruments—would fare interpreting the songs with just her voice and acoustic guitar.
As we settled in for what turned out to be a set made mostly of songs from 'Saltbreakers,' it became more and more intriguing to see how Veirs—who, on the record, created a universe of sound with a large band of many instruments—would fare interpreting the songs with just her voice and acoustic guitar.
Mark Erelli - Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (Seattle, WA 8/3/06)
Tonight, at the end of a particularly lovely summer day in Seattle, he's managed to coax a large handful of locals into a cavernous back room at a West Seattle community arts center for a couple of hours to experience songs from his most recent Signature Sounds release, Hope and Other Casualties.
Tonight, at the end of a particularly lovely summer day in Seattle, he's managed to coax a large handful of locals into a cavernous back room at a West Seattle community arts center for a couple of hours to experience songs from his most recent Signature Sounds release, Hope and Other Casualties.
Neko Case and Merle Haggard (Seattle, WA 2/11/07)
For four dates on Merle Haggard's tour, alt.country chanteuse Neko Case is opening the night. I caught her live in her near-hometown of Seattle and this is a review of that show.
For four dates on Merle Haggard's tour, alt.country chanteuse Neko Case is opening the night. I caught her live in her near-hometown of Seattle and this is a review of that show.
Nickel Creek - McCaw Hall (Seattle, WA 5/10/07)
If you've never seen Nickel Creek live before, your chances are running out, and I'd recommend you rush out to buy tickets right now. You can finish reading this review when you return.
If you've never seen Nickel Creek live before, your chances are running out, and I'd recommend you rush out to buy tickets right now. You can finish reading this review when you return.
Patty Griffin - The Moore Theater (Seattle, WA 3/19/07)
Three days after her 43rd birthday, Patty Griffin takes the stage to considerable applause. She's been at this for years, and she strides onstage with a confidence that can only come from earning such a reception.
Three days after her 43rd birthday, Patty Griffin takes the stage to considerable applause. She's been at this for years, and she strides onstage with a confidence that can only come from earning such a reception.
Railroad Earth - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR 1/13/06)
After an impressively short break between sets, Railroad Earth hits the stage, and the all-ages crowd woo-hoos like a bearing-down steam train. Last time I saw this band live, the rain had been coming down, leaving the field on the hillside at Falcon Ridge nice and muddy. The weather didn’t stop the crowd from bouncingly boogying barefoot then, either.
After an impressively short break between sets, Railroad Earth hits the stage, and the all-ages crowd woo-hoos like a bearing-down steam train. Last time I saw this band live, the rain had been coming down, leaving the field on the hillside at Falcon Ridge nice and muddy. The weather didn’t stop the crowd from bouncingly boogying barefoot then, either.
Ray LaMontagne Live in Concert
Ray LaMontagne put on a stellar performance in support of his breakthrough album, Till the Sun Turns Black.
Ray LaMontagne put on a stellar performance in support of his breakthrough album, Till the Sun Turns Black.
Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 1/12/08)
In a recent Seattle performance, Reverend Peyton and his band wasted no time in ripping full-throttle into their high-octane version of the good ol' country blues.
In a recent Seattle performance, Reverend Peyton and his band wasted no time in ripping full-throttle into their high-octane version of the good ol' country blues.
Robinella - Conor Byrne Pub (Seattle, WA 4/2/06)
I don’t know what I was expecting, having never heard much about Robinella before; but seeing her live was a real treat.
I don’t know what I was expecting, having never heard much about Robinella before; but seeing her live was a real treat.
Shawn Colvin w/ Dar Williams - Woodland Park Zoo (Seattle, WA 7/26/06)
Apparently nobody's clued Dar Williams' guitar into the fact that it's cooled off a bit. Williams, though, is an absolute pro onstage. Her between-song banter and homey demeanor can almost make you feel like you're watching one of your sister's friends performing, rather than one of the most celebrated songwriters in contemporary singer/songwriterdom.
Apparently nobody's clued Dar Williams' guitar into the fact that it's cooled off a bit. Williams, though, is an absolute pro onstage. Her between-song banter and homey demeanor can almost make you feel like you're watching one of your sister's friends performing, rather than one of the most celebrated songwriters in contemporary singer/songwriterdom.
Sonya Kitchell - The Triple Door (Seattle, WA 4/17/06)
Kitchell may have a few kinks to iron out with her live performance, but there will be plenty of time for that over the course of what promises to be a long career. Her absolutely charming personality will come out of its shell to match her incredible talent eventually; and when it does – look out!
Kitchell may have a few kinks to iron out with her live performance, but there will be plenty of time for that over the course of what promises to be a long career. Her absolutely charming personality will come out of its shell to match her incredible talent eventually; and when it does – look out!
The Subdudes - The Triple Door (Seattle, WA, 4/1/06)
From the moment you enter the Triple Door tonight, you can feel the energy in the room. You can see the displaced New Orleanians decked out in Mardi Gras beads and sporting the Crescent City glow. Everyone is ready for a good time.
From the moment you enter the Triple Door tonight, you can feel the energy in the room. You can see the displaced New Orleanians decked out in Mardi Gras beads and sporting the Crescent City glow. Everyone is ready for a good time.
Susan Werner - The Triple Door (Seattle, WA 2/17/06)
On this bitingly cold, mid-February evening, Susan Werner warmed up the intimate Seattle crowd with her jazz and folk songs about love, life, spirituality, and dissent.
On this bitingly cold, mid-February evening, Susan Werner warmed up the intimate Seattle crowd with her jazz and folk songs about love, life, spirituality, and dissent.
Tim O'Brien - SCC Campus Theatre (Shoreline, WA 4/15/06)
Seemingly to show that his award-winning skills weren’t limited to just those instruments, O’Brien came out on stage, after warm applause for Korby Lenker’s set, with a Martin dreadnought guitar in his hand ...
Seemingly to show that his award-winning skills weren’t limited to just those instruments, O’Brien came out on stage, after warm applause for Korby Lenker’s set, with a Martin dreadnought guitar in his hand ...
Tish Hinojosa - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 5/6/07)
As expected, thanks to my seat neighbor, Hinojosa's Spanish-language songs were gorgeous and equally as soulful, particularly the crowd favorite, "Aquella Noche."
As expected, thanks to my seat neighbor, Hinojosa's Spanish-language songs were gorgeous and equally as soulful, particularly the crowd favorite, "Aquella Noche."
Todd Snider (Seattle, WA, 2/28/07)
Todd Snider, admittedly, might recycle his stories often, and he may even sing the same songs from time to time, but it's hard to believe that any two shows he puts on are quite the same.
Todd Snider, admittedly, might recycle his stories often, and he may even sing the same songs from time to time, but it's hard to believe that any two shows he puts on are quite the same.
Toshi Reagon - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 2/18/08)
If you've never seen Toshi Reagon live, you need to just go next time she's in town. Whether you've heard her on record or not, doesn't really matter. It just makes you feel good to know someone with that much talent is out there in the world, doing that.
If you've never seen Toshi Reagon live, you need to just go next time she's in town. Whether you've heard her on record or not, doesn't really matter. It just makes you feel good to know someone with that much talent is out there in the world, doing that.
Townes Van Zandt Tribute Show - Seattle 12/1/05
It snowed all day in Seattle, but none of it stuck to the ground. Somehow, that seemed to fit into the fact that there was a slue of local singer/songwriters hitting the stage that night to pay tribute to the late, great Townes Van Zandt.
It snowed all day in Seattle, but none of it stuck to the ground. Somehow, that seemed to fit into the fact that there was a slue of local singer/songwriters hitting the stage that night to pay tribute to the late, great Townes Van Zandt.
Tracy Grammer - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 9/24/06)
Tracy Grammer and her musical partner, Jim Henry, played in Alaska last night. Despite their time in the great white north, they didn't manage to see a puffin. "There's a boat out of Seward, they say, where you're guaranteed puffins," Grammer tells her audience...
Tracy Grammer and her musical partner, Jim Henry, played in Alaska last night. Despite their time in the great white north, they didn't manage to see a puffin. "There's a boat out of Seward, they say, where you're guaranteed puffins," Grammer tells her audience...
The Weepies Live in Seattle
One lovely day in Seattle-town, a couple of folksingers crashed a Norwegian Independence Day parade ...
One lovely day in Seattle-town, a couple of folksingers crashed a Norwegian Independence Day parade ...
The Wilders - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA 8/10/06)
A bouncy, rockin' night in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood brought together locals Captain Gravel and Kansas City bluegrass/old time rockers The Wilders.
A bouncy, rockin' night in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood brought together locals Captain Gravel and Kansas City bluegrass/old time rockers The Wilders.
Xavier Rudd - Showbox (Seattle, WA 6/30/07)
Xavier Rudd returned to Seattle for a show at the Showbox with Serena Ryder—a perfect musical cocktail for what's been a very hot summer.
Xavier Rudd returned to Seattle for a show at the Showbox with Serena Ryder—a perfect musical cocktail for what's been a very hot summer.
Xavier Rudd - Neumo's (Seattle, WA 12/1/06)
Bouncing at an Xavier Rudd show is obligatory. Not only because the room is so impossibly thick with human bodies; but also because the music just causes you to groove. Resist the groove, and you may as well stay at home.
Bouncing at an Xavier Rudd show is obligatory. Not only because the room is so impossibly thick with human bodies; but also because the music just causes you to groove. Resist the groove, and you may as well stay at home.
Musi-cal
A comprehensive listing searchable by artist or city
A comprehensive listing searchable by artist or city
Fleming & Associates
Tour dates searchable by artist - all-folk booking agents
Tour dates searchable by artist - all-folk booking agents
Dirty Linen Gig Guide
Dirty Linen Magazine's comprehensive guide to where the Folk musicians are playing this month. Searchable by artist, state, or festival.
Dirty Linen Magazine's comprehensive guide to where the Folk musicians are playing this month. Searchable by artist, state, or festival.
Acoustic Venues List
Acousticmusic.com is a wonderful resource for fans of all types of acoustic music, and their venues listing is a great place to start checking out venues in your area.
Acousticmusic.com is a wonderful resource for fans of all types of acoustic music, and their venues listing is a great place to start checking out venues in your area.
Bucks County Folk Song Society
This site has a great list of Folk venues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
This site has a great list of Folk venues in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Acoustic Roots
An organization that breaks from the norm and puts on Folk shows in Las Vegas.
An organization that breaks from the norm and puts on Folk shows in Las Vegas.