The Avett Brothers brought their unique form of folk rock to the heart of the bluegrass, and played an amazing show at Rupp Arena last night. It’s not often that folk rock acts play venues this large, and not only is it a treat for everyone, but it also is a testament to the success and skill of the brothers and their band.

A pleasant surprise or a bit of a let down. These are the two ways an unheard of opening act can be classified. Unfortunately, Jessica Lea Mayfield’s performance would fall under the latter description. Mayfield, a young blonde, took the stage wearing a sweet dress, black tights, and bold red heels. She strummed her guitar and occasionally sipped her wine as she sang what sounded like the same song over and over. Her feet seemed to be glued to one location on the stage for the duration of her act which was a shame because I longed for a better view of her shoes. When the Avett Brothers joined her for one song, the audience perked up some due to the promise of what was to come during the headliner’s set.

A short intermission for a crowd of around 5 thousand led into the main event. Beginning their show with the song, “Salina,” the Avett Brothers had the crowd clapping and singing along for rest of the evening. Scott and Seth along with the other band members bounced and jumped around the carpeted stage as they sang and played their instruments. It may be easy to picture a man and a guitar jumping around and maybe even a man and a banjo, but have you seem a man play his cello while jumping and spinning? I now have.

The concert made it evident that the Avett Brothers were enjoying every moment of playing the show which in turn, made the audience enjoy every moment of viewing the show. Songs like “Will You Return” and “Slight Figure of Speech” with their quick tempos made everyone get out of their seats and dance. It almost felt like you had to. But at the right times, the band would slow the show down and play crowd favorites like “January Wedding” and “Shame.”

One does not get to see many bands perform who are frequently described as being a part of the “folk rock” genre. So, seeing a crowd of people outfitted in plaid button-downs and boots “fist-pumping” to a banjo, guitar, cello, and stand-up bass was an absolutely beautiful sight. The Avett Brothers show brought amazing amounts of energy and life to their albums that just cannot quite come through earbuds or computer speakers. This concert reminded me of why people see their favorite bands over and over again.

Blogged by: Becca Colbert
Photos by: Paul Hooper