What a night. I first had to skip yoga to make it to Kent in time for this show, missing the Speedbumps perform in the alley before the show (what's up with all these "alley" performances?). Being that I recently saw them at Southside, it wasn't a big deal. But shortly after I got there, Tim introduced me to Justin's opener, Tom Evanchuck. He performed earlier in the alley (with the Speedbumps I presume) and Tim couldn't say enough good things about it. Luckily he was also asked to open for Justin on the main stage. I say luckily because after seeing him perform, I know I would have been disappointed had I not. Tom is young, but you wouldn't know otherwise from his performance. He has this Dylan, Dan Bern, quality about him. Unassuming and barefoot, he laid out songs of a maturity and style that's rare for his age. He's definitely one of the best local musicians I've seen perform. I'm ecstatic to see him perform at the Barking Spider at the end of this month (Tuesday, June 30th).
On to Justin. Let's just get it out of the way that Justin Townes Earle is the son of Steve Earle. I say that because while it may be interesting and talked about, it's not really relevant otherwise. Justin is a true performer in his own right, and perform he did. He walked up on stage, thin as a rail, hair slicked, fitted suit, and looking like a 1940's southern preacher. And in many ways, he embodied that persona, evoking a higher power of story and song on stage. From his albums, I expected him to be a little more laid back, but on stage he was on fire. Accompaning him on stage was one other guy (who's name I wish I could remember), who was equally entertaining. He also looked to be of a bygone era, wearing suspenders, playing the banjo, mandolin and harmonica. These guys were definitely a power duo, and now I see why they were the talk of the Kent State Folk Festival.
the other guy's name is corey younts.
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