The Floorwalkers

My buddy told me that The Floorwalkers were on his top 10 Best Live Shows Ever list and I was a skeptic.  But these Columbus, OH bred boys brought a foot stomping show to Zazu's last night in St. Matthews.  Despite a somewhat reserved crowd of head bobbers, D. and I danced in front because we just couldn't stand still.  After the show, lead singer Jonathan Elliot came up to us to thank us for our enthusiasm. I was very thankful for my cowboy boots and swirly dress--perfect dancing attire!

Their talent is unmistakable with hints of folk, soul, and classic rock & roll that showcase their craftsmanship of composition and lyrics.  They'll be at SXSW later this month which speaks to the caliber of music they're creating.  I told Jonathan and lead guitarist Theo Perry (who gives the band their street cred with his picked out afro) that it's only a matter of time before they blow up.

Here's a couple of my favorites by The Floorwalkers:
I Need A Dollar- Aloe Blacc cover
Three Wishes

I and Love and The Avett Brothers

I was on the Avett Bros bandwagon when it was a biodiesel tractor in my freshman year at Shakori Hills. Their show in the torrential rain at Shakori, complete with head-banging, foot stomping, and steam rising from their jamming bodies, would live in my memory as the best show I've ever been to. Aside from their stage presence, which is a throwback to their days in a heavy metal band, I love the Avett brothers because of their sweet melodies and lyrics that are poignant to a flaw... (I think that is the exact reason that so many of my guy friends dislike the Avetts).

Above: Before the rain hit... Nothing like mud to make bluegrass stomping wayyy more fun.

But what makes them so lovable is that they are hometown boys. North Carolina born & bred, just like me. After shuffling themselves, potential band members, and band names around for several years, Chapel Hill was one of their platforms that launched them to local stardom in the bluegrass arena. They were even smart enough to add a Carolina alumnus to their band. They love this state and sing about it in their music. While they have lost some of their hard core bluegrass/rock anthems from their days of Four Thieves Gone, I too am maturing and love the sweet simplicity of their later years in Emotionalism and I and Love and You.

I have seen the Avetts live 5 times and have developed a mantra that always gets me to the front row: If you're not dancing, you deserve to be behind me. I even have a bouquet of those Dollar Store flowers from the stage that Seth threw out to the crowd on my dresser.

The past 4 years have brought them lots of acclaim and fame, slowly but surely moving up the bluegrass charts and making their way to the "main stream."

I was excited (not surprised) to see them play with Mumford & Sons (their Irish counterparts) and Bob Dylan at the Grammy's last week. Like a proud mama, I smiled and commented on how "I knew them when..."

I only hope that they stay true to their musical roots and never forget where they came from: North Carolina. Love.