 The Service Station had aroma’s of rich coffee, warm spices, and teas. Walking into the concert hall at the Service Station all of the chairs were occupied by adults, teens, and kids; it was a vast age group. It was great to see it full for two reasons, one to support the music and two to support Krochet Kids. Tonight was a benefit show for Krochet Kids, which was formed by a few Mt. Spokane Graduates. They took the skill of crocheting (which they learned in high school) and turned it into something they could do for good. They teach women in Northern Uganda to crochet hats, in which Krochet Kids sells in the U.S. to pay them; also helping them become independent empowering women. All proceeds from Karli’s EP “Followed” will go directly to Krochet Kids. It is a great story, and I encourage you to check out the website HERE and buy a hat – winter is on its way!
Shannon Stephens got the evening moving with her gracious vocals and acoustic guitar. She hadn’t played music for about 10 years and currently released a new album. As she said “this is the best audience I have had in like 10 years!” She has soft vocals and a warm feeling on stage, very pleasant to listen to. Shannon was bouncing in between morbid and worshipful, morbid and worshipful and when we arrived she picked morbid for the next song. Had a great cover of “Seems I’m Never Tired Lovin’ You” which was performed by Nina Simone. For Shannon’s last song Karli and Broken Blossoms came out on stage and after only trying the song twice, they smoothly played it all together.
 Broken Blossoms was a toe-tapping, clapping, fun group from Boston! Actually the lady in the group Kimber is from Spokane, but the rest of the group has never been over to the great Northwest! The group featured Andy on Guitar/Vocals, David on Mandolin/Vocals, Kimber on Fiddle/Vocals, Simon on Bass, and Charlie on Banjo. They also had a guest Kellan sing in two songs including the last song. From Kimber being the current Grand National Fiddle Champion and Simon beatboxing while Charlie plays the banjo it was quite the set! They played originals like “A Wife So Young,” and covers such as “Gap Tooth.” Kimber put Karli through a Bluegrass boot camp which Karli said was hard because she turns her guitar up really loud and sings sad songs. Not the case in bluegrass, she sounded great with Broken Blossoms. During the last song “Liza Jane” they had the entire room clapping and the ended it with a bang!
 Karli Fairbanks mentioned how she was glad to play with Broken Blossoms because her grandparents like that type of music. Karli looked darling in a new dark hair style and a great dress! It was extremely kind of her to do something good with her EP “Followed”, and a great way to get the word out! The EP came about because there were 4 songs that just didn’t fit on her latest album. Therefore she added one more and ta da! The songs capture Karil’s Blues Americana/Alt Country glowing style well. Karli had Caroline and Anna for vocals with her, Zac on Guitar, Caleb on Drums, and Kory on bass. Kory also recorded, mixed, and produced the EP and her latest album. Karli played one of her favorite songs to play “Meet the Day,” and also “Followed,” “Two Directions,” Whiskey Flowers,” and more for us to enjoy! I think Caroline and Anna have the perfect vocals with Karli, together they have soothing harmonies. Caroline made us laugh throughout the set and I loved her bright green tights. The set sounded smooth, as it always does and I am excited to hear more new music from Spokane’s Karli Fairbanks! Don’t forget to do you ears good (with her music) and the world good (Krochet Kids Benefit) by buying her new EP “Followed”
Check out more photos from the show here!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
