Photos and review by: Jason Robey
CHARLOTTE, NC — Charlotte’s Neighborhood Theatre was alive with anticipation last Thursday for Fireside Collective to bring a night of boundary-pushing bluegrass and inspired improvisation. The venue’s intimate setting and enthusiastic crowd created the perfect atmosphere that felt tailor-made for the band’s dynamic sound. From the opening notes, the audience was locked in—swaying and dancing through a set packed with soaring harmonies, jaw-dropping instrumentals, and infectious grooves that carried the night into another dimension.
North Carolina-based folk-rock band Time Sawyer opened the evening with a warm and earnest energy. With their blend of Americana storytelling and indie charm, they were an ideal match to kick things off. Vocalist/guitarist Sam Tayloe’s voice carried an effortless sincerity, and the band’s chemistry came together for a sound that was truly greater than the sum of its parts. Highlights from their set included “Little Black Cat” and “Speedball Tucker,” both from their 2023 EP Dig a Little Deeper, earning enthusiastic applause. The set-closing “Boxer,” from their most recent EP Honest Effort, left the room with the perfect tone for the evening’s main event.
Fireside Collective wasted no time launching into a dynamic set that showcased their technical prowess and inventive approach to bluegrass. Their sound, while rooted in tradition, moves boldly into jam-band territory, blending elements of rock, funk, and even a touch of jazz. Opening with “She Was An Angel,” the band introduced the Charlotte crowd to their newly expanded sound, with the addition drummer Michael Tillis. Combining lightning-fast picking with emotive lyricism, each member of the band had a chance to shine.
What sets Fireside Collective apart isn’t just their musicianship—it’s the sheer joy they bring to performing. Their enthusiasm was infectious, spilling over into the audience and turning the show into more of a musical celebration than a simple concert. After announcing a new album expected later in the year, the band jumped in to one of the new songs, “The Seven,” a musically complex instrumental that shows the new level of writing the band has reached. Other highlights were a riveting cover of Tom Petty’s “You Don’t Know How It Feels” and an extended version of “Just One Step,” with a psychedelic jam that took the room into space. Fireside Collective reminded everyone in the room why live music matters.
Watch Fireside Collective on social media for tour dates, festival appearances, and updates on the upcoming album.