This Boston band holds a very special place in my heart. They were there when I needed them and it was largely unexpected. The catharsis!

The first time I saw them, they were opening for someone. I don’t remember who — maybe Patty Griffin, maybe someone else. I could look, but it doesn’t really matter. I know that I liked them pretty much. They’re style is to all play around one condenser microphone.

They headlined the Great American a little more than a year ago in November. My friend, Renee, invited me to the show to celebrate my birthday. The show was two days after election date, and about a week after my 22 year-old cousin was found dead. Hence the catharsis… I was not in a good place; I may have been at my lowest place, and my friend Renee was equally low for substantially the same reasons.  We went, though neither of us were really up to ‘celebrating’.  In fact, I found this text exchange:

Me: Checking in about tonight.

R: I need some music! Are you in?

Me: Half-heartedly in.  I need some music. I’m pretty weepy. My cousin (22 y-o) died on Thursday night and then of course my hopes for the future died last night.

That sound melodramatic, but that was where I was. I don’t think I was alone in my feelings.

It was a crowded, seated show and I loved every minute of it. The music was so lovely. These four beautiful and humorous souls healed my heart and my soul that evening. I can’t even tell you what it was about the show. I know I cried and I know it was amazing.

Do yourself a favor and go tonight. Or go when they play somewhere near you.

I saw them again this past summer at the Red Wing Roots festival.  Again, amazing.  Again, so humorous and so gentle. They tell stories and make you feel like you are all old friends. I am so looking forward to this show tonight. I’ve been looking forward to this show for quite some time.