The Black Crowes @ Jones Beach

Any night when you get to see the Black Crowes is a good night but it is an even better when you get 5th row, dead center tickets for free from the band. As part of the "Get Tall in the Rockies" contest anyone who entered was given a pair of tickets to any show of there choice. I wasn't expecting such good seats but it was a very pleasant surprise. The bill also featured the Drive-by Truckers who I missed completely but luckily they will be back this fall at Webster Hall. Knowing that I was going to miss the Truckers my friend Ryan and spent some extra time in the lot drinking tall boys of B-weiser because Jones Beach is a dry venue(WTF). We finally entered the venue middle of Robert Randolph's set which was good but was basically the same set he always plays. The Crowes took the stage around 9 and jumped right into the rock. The opened with Virtue and Vice which although it isn't my favorite Crowes song it was a good opener. After a few songs Chris announced that they were going to play a new song and the went into "Magic Rooster Blues" which was awesome. I had already heard this song at one of the Brothers of a Feather shows but it was so much better with the full band. The set from here just took off. Highlights include "Nebakanezer" into a awesome jam that then lead into "Thorn In My Pride" which was followed by a great version of Neil Young's "L.A" . The night ended on a perfect night with a great version of "Can't You Hear me Knocking". Overall it was a amazing time.

Vetiver @ Tonic

Vetiver's new album "To find Me Gone" has been one of my most listened to albums this year. Andy Cabic's song writing has fully matured since their first album. The songs have such a beautiful lonesome quality. The music is a mix between country, blues, and folk. At time the sound resembles the Band, The Incredible String Band, and the Grateful Dead.
Last night Vetiver played an amazing set at Tonic. Andy has spent a lot of time performing in Devendra Banhart band and you can tell he is very comfortable on the stage. But where Dev's recent shows lack some professional qualities Andy is all business. The band was tight, and the music rocking. The band set lasted for about an hour and a half. The set featured material from both albums and a few covers. Vetiver will be on tour for the rest of the summer and I strongly suggest you get out and see them.

The Avett Brothers @ the Bowery Ballroom

I was extremely impressed with the Avett Brothers show at the Bowery Ballroom this past Friday. Their set which ran for over two hours and the band never once let up. The Avett Brothers play great mix country, folk, and bluegrass but mixed with a modern music feel. Nicole Atkins and the Sea and O'Death opened the show. As always O'Death got the crowd hooting and stomping during their great set. I was less than impressed with Nicole Atkins. In my opinion she was rather boring but the hometown crowd seemed to really enjoy her. For those that missed The Avett Brothers this past Friday, they will be back on August 20 on the Rocksoff boat cruise. Jen from the Musicslut has more on the show at the Bowery.