Sasquatch! Sneak Preview
I went in to the Empyrean a few days ago to check out local shows when one of the baristas their mentioned to me that Blind Pilot was playing Friday night and that I needed to go! So I did!
The show was supposed to start at 7pm but note to you – (local shows are always late) so doors were at 7:30pm. Since I was early I got the chance to check out local Whitworth student Sara Jackson Holman. She was playing the piano and singing her songs, she was really cool and very Fiest meets Regina Spektor. She actually did an awesome cover of Trouble by Coldplay.
Once the doors opened I walked in to the dark brick Empyrean concert “room” and grabbed a seat. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful was the first band to play (another Whitworth band). I wasn’t sure what to expect because there were quite a few people onstage but once the singer started to sing, I was impressed. If I were to close my eyes it would’ve sounded the same as me listening to it through my stereo. The singer had a great voice, it was almost singer/songwriter but with a band. Very cool, something different than just a guy with a guitar (I don’t mean that in a bad way either!). My favorite song they played was “Old Man Winter” I would encourage you to look them up, and keep an eye out for this local Spokane band.
Kevin Long hit the stage next with his beer and his guitar. This was a good “guy with a guitar,” watching his pale long fingers glide across his acoustic guitar was mesmerizing. He was talented, singing strong and fun lyrics. Once again this was a very polished singer. Now, I also don’t mean this in a bad way… but when you go to local shows you don’t always get great bands that open up, this was not the case that night. Kevin Long was simple, talented, and enjoyable, he even apologized for not chatting a lot, something about going over Lost theories (the TV show). For someone so young, I would say he is going to do well, girls will eat him and his lyrics up – watch out ladies.
Finally after a long set up due to sound checking 9 instruments Blind Pilot took the stage. By this point the Empyrean was a sea of stemless wine glasses and beer bottles. Blind Pilot was three singers and five members total creating this group of acoustic indie move your feet music. There was horns, banjos, xylophones, drums, guitars and more that filled the room with a wonderful sound. I really enjoyed their performance they were smiling and having a good time and so was the crowd. I loved that the whole front row was dancing and knew every lyric, they have a following in Spokane! Blind Pilot is from Portland, and managed to fill up the Empyrean for the night with kids and adults of all ages, even pregnant women standing on chairs. The brick walls and Christmas lights added to the experience and I think the Empyrean accessorized Blind Pilot well. If you missed the show DON’T WORRY, these kids will be at Sasquatch! so mark it on your calendar and be ready to tap your feet to great music.
(CHECK OUT ALL OUR PICS FROM THE SHOW HERE!) |
