Article and Photos by: Jolene Roderick

CHARLOTTE, NC — Spafford’s two-night stand at the Visulite Theatre in Charlotte, NC, was an unforgettable experience, with both shows featuring special guest bassist Shon Gordon from ElephantProof, who added a fresh layer of energy to their signature jam sound. Night one opened with Council Ring, while Underground Springhouse kicked things off on night two, making both evenings feel distinct yet complementary.

Night one began with an exciting set from Council Ring, featuring Ty Mattox (guitar), Matt Kavanaugh (bass), Quint Gallaher (drums), Ian Hirsch (keyboards), and Chris Jan (guitar/vocals), whose thoughtful lyrics and intricate musicianship set the tone for the night. The entire set featured original material, with highlights including newer tracks like “QSS,” “Replicate,” and “Bayou.” Their most recent song, “Some Kind of Magic,” captivated the audience, while “Hourglass,” “Touch,” and “Yes Ma’am” teased their upcoming album Avulsion, slated for release by year’s end. They also revisited “Waves” from their debut album Beyond the Door, adding depth to their performance. By the time Spafford hit the stage with Shon Gordon on bass, the crowd was buzzing.

Spafford, featuring Brian Moss (guitar/vocals), Nick Tkachyk (drums), and Cory Schechtman (keyboards), opened with “The Remedy,” a high-energy jam that immediately drew in the crowd. Shon’s presence on bass was felt right away, adding a different dynamic to the band’s interplay. From there, they dove into “Ain’t That Wrong” before transitioning into the fan-favorite “Can’t Find My Vape,” bringing tight musicality to the forefront. They brought the jam full circle with an “Ain’t That Wrong” reprise, leaving fans in awe of their improvisational prowess.

The Presidents of the United States of America’s “Peaches” was a crowd-pleasing surprise, adding a bit of nostalgia to the mix, while “Motel 6” closed out the first set with a strong, jam-filled conclusion.

Set two began with the exploratory reggae vibes of “Be Strange,” followed by a standout version of “Mind’s Unchained” that featured soaring guitar solos and tight rhythmic interplay. The transition from “Walls” into “Space Gadget” allowed the band to stretch their legs with some spacey, funky improvisation before revisiting “Walls” in an epic reprise.

Spafford’s cover of Men at Work’s “Down Under” was an unexpected but fitting closer for the main set, bringing the fun and light-hearted energy of the night to a peak. The encore, “Ice Cream,” a Steve Kimock cover, was a fitting end to a night that balanced jam-heavy exploration with playful song choices.

Underground Springhouse, featuring Charlie Haas (guitar/vocals), Jackson Thompson (bass/vocals), Max Motley (keyboards/vocals), Mitch Davidson (guitar/vocals) and Jonny Thompson (drums/vocals), brought a laid-back yet groovy vibe to night two, getting the audience primed with tracks like “Escapade” and “Roundhouse.” Their blend of Southern rock and funk laid a solid foundation for what would become another epic night of jams from Spafford.

Night two began with “Crazy,” quickly transitioning into “Funkadelic,” which allowed the band to dive deep into the groove early on, resulting in especially long cheers from the crowd. Shon Gordon continued to make his presence known, locking in tightly with the rhythm section as Spafford moved through “Night After Night” and the darker tones of “Shelter in Place.” The set closed with “Virtual Bean Dip,” an improvisational standout that had the crowd dancing from start to finish.

Set two opened with a powerful version of “Neutrino,” leading into a raging cover of Green Day’s “Longview” that had everyone dancing. The energy stayed high through “Windmill” and “Salamander Song,” both of which allowed the band to showcase their ability to build intense jams that pay off with massive climaxes. For the encore, Spafford closed their two-night run with “Frog Gossip,” an upbeat and quirky track that sent fans home on a high note after two nights of musical bliss.

Spafford’s two nights at the Visulite Theatre demonstrated why they remain one of the premier jam bands on the scene. Shon Gordon’s bass playing added a new dimension to their sound, and both opening acts—Council Ring and Underground Springhouse—helped make each night feel unique. With a mix of deep jams, surprise covers, and high-energy performances, these two nights will be remembered as highlights of their Fall 2024 tour.