To submit a review or story for consideration hit us at [email protected]
Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.
Videos from the channel of Chris Cafiero
Right out of the gate, Fruition, engaged the crowd with opener, “Mountain Annie”, and their latest album title track, “Labor Of Love”. Led by mandolin/vocalist, Mimi Naja, and guitarist/vocalist, Jay Cobb Anderson, the quintet infused a nice rock ‘roll bluegrass vibe throughout their opening slot. With Jeff Leonard on bass, and Tyler Thompson, banging away on the drumkit, one of the highlights came during the Oregon group’s performance of “I Should Be (On Top Of The World)”. Multi-instrumentalist, Kellen Asebroek, showcased his keyboard abilities, along with his vocal range during an upbeat rendition of the Nikolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson classic, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.
Hailing from Michigan, Greensky Bluegrass, made their first appearance at Penn’s Peak on Thursday. “All Four”, one of the veterans, staples gave them a chance to loosen up early and highlighted, Anders Beck, masterful work on the dobro along with Paul Hoffman on lead vocals and mandolin. The five seasoned players were firing all cylinders, especially guitarist, Dave Bruzza, and banjo extrodinore, Michael Bont, as they flowed seamlessly during “Do It Twice > Blackberry Rag > Take Cover”. You could hear the group tease, “Bathtub Gin” (Phish), during “Take Cover”.
Starting off the second set, “I’m Still Here”, got the Jim Thorpe the audience up and energized early on, highlighting Michael Devol’s sweet upright bass. The band brought out all stops with a spectacular renditions of “Miss September”, along with “Burn Them” and “Fixin’ To Ruin” that featured Keith Kinnear on tambourine and wood block. Keep the energy level at a “10” the group through into the mix Paul Simon’s classic tune, “Gumboots”.
Bringing the evening to a close was the slowed down Jimmy Martin number, “Drink Up & Go Home”. As the crowd dispersed into the night, you could feel that Fruition & Greensky Bluegrass both will be welcomed back with open arms to Penn’s Peak in the future.
Check out the full gallery of photos by Christopher Holland here.
To submit a review or story for consideration hit us at [email protected]
Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.
