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Upon leaving the third and final evening of American Aquarium’s Highway Journey to Raleigh, one conclusion was apparent. B.J. Barham actually is aware of methods to throw a celebration. In truth, greater than a celebration, it’s a competition. Different bands do particular weekend occasions to make sure, however Barham to his credit score goes deep into his rolodex to usher in expertise. Yearly presents an distinctive lineup of artists to play earlier than American Aquarium comes out to do a two plus hour set. They do these three nights in a row. February second by the fourth of this 12 months have been no exception. This was my first time doing the Highway Journey to Raleigh. Nevertheless, after I noticed this 12 months’s lineup, I needed to make the pilgrimage. Though I used to be a primary timer, the buddy I used to be with had been earlier than and helped navigate for the very best expertise (to not point out just a few stops at some nice breweries). Nothing higher than together with two vices into one weekend. Now let’s flip our consideration to the lineup. Night time one featured two bands which have had meteoric success. Alabama’s personal Drayton Farley opened issues up with a full band set. I’ve seen Farley 3 times since he began touring with a band. They’ve begun to gel with a good sound. Additionally, full band model of “Pitchin’ Suits” was much more highly effective than the acoustic model. Then 49 Winchester introduced their full vitality to heat the gang up for American Aquarium. Should you haven’t seen these Russell County Virginia rabble rousers play, it’s actually your loss. Night time two opened with the superb songwriter Gabe Lee, “Drink the River” was my favourite track of 2023. Throughout his set, he demonstrated why he is likely one of the most underrated songwriters of our day. Then he was adopted up by a raucous set by Muscadine Bloodline. These Cellular, Alabama natives know get a crowd going off the chain. They have been my shock of the weekend. Night time three was the penultimate. It began with Emily Nenni’s Honky Tonk and was adopted by Charles Wesley Godwin. This can be the final time I see him as an opener. ( Extra on Godwin under.)
Among the finest experiences got here on Saturday. Barham did a solo acoustic present. He has beforehand held this occasion at a espresso store, however this 12 months he went for slightly greater (not precisely huge, it was a 150 individuals) venue at a neighborhood Homosexual/Queer bar, Ruby Deluxe. I had no concept of the shock he had deliberate for the occasion. American Aquarium is quickly releasing a brand new Shooter Jennings produced album. He performed the album from starting to finish that morning. I’ll put it this manner, I can’t wait till it comes out with full band in tow. The songs have been as private and deep as something he has ever written. It’s virtually a certainty that the brand new album might be distinctive.
Every of the three nights American Aquarium did units that have been over two hours and as excessive vitality as I’ve ever seen from the band. (I’ve seen them lots.) Additionally, there have been nearly no repeat songs. Sure, after all, “I hope He Breaks Your Coronary heart” and “Burn, Flicker, Die” have been performed every evening. The one different repeat I recall was “Katherine Belle” which was performed on two nights. (There could have been others, however that’s all I recall). “Katherine Belle” was the primary track on the 2009 album “Dances for the Lonely”. On Thursday evening to get issues began, the band honored the twenty fifth anniversary of the album by enjoying it from starting to finish. It’s a basic album and was so cool to see them do it stay. Just a few of the songs they have been enjoying stay for the primary time in over a decade. It was all even higher from there. It appeared is the band exuded extra vitality on every evening. Why was this the case? It’s a easy reply. B. J. Barham loves his followers, and that’s the complete level of Highway Journey to Raleigh.
The venue in Raleigh, Barham’s house base, was the Lincoln Theater, with capability of lower than 1000. That’s the reason I’m shocked he was in a position to get Charles Wesley Godwin to play. Godwin not too long ago bought out two nights on the Ryman and is promoting out huge venues everywhere in the nation. Regardless of. His friendship with Barham lured him there, and he and his band’s killer set was match for a stadium. This venue will not be solely too small for him, it’s too small for American Aquarium. Barham’s purpose is to create an intimate setting for the followers and the band. He little doubt succeeded. It was my first Highway Journey to Raleigh. God willin’ and the creek don’t rise, it received’t be my final.
Concerning the creator: Chip and his household stay in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!
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