Article and Photos by: Nick Durcholz
Louisville, Ky. – An idyllic Mother’s Day in the Ville, streets sparsely populated with zen-ny vibes all around and yet, therewas a 20 megaton tunebomb waiting to be dropped on me on south 4th street.
After a tasty but irresponsible $25 burger for dinner, I strolled back to the ballroom and entered without a hitch, assisted by very helpful and friendly staff! I love how intimate the venue is. It has soul but it also is effortlessly classy. Not to mention they have my favorite beverage on hand: Liquid Death. IYKYK. I found my spot, and shortly after dodging a dehydrated patron (they were alright), I stood at the ready.
Ruby Waters, the opening band, reached out their aural arms around my head with the first measure or two and kissed me with the passion, joy and comfort of the most treasured love. I truly and honestly can’t think of the last time a band seduced me so quickly and so completely. Zero hyperbole. The components of their special bouquet ranged from light hip-hop inspired beats to a touch of electronic fuzz and bounding guitar riffs reminiscent of several jam band axe men. “Sour Patch” was one of the stand outs! Not only do they show clear signs of kidnapping the funk from Old Gregg, the had such a wholesome, warm, and fun stage presence it brought me to tears and gave me a little faith in the insane clown shoe factory that is the USA in 2025. Do yourself a favor and let them inspire you as well!
Next was the main man, Alejandro Rose-Garcia, also known as Shakey Graves. I have to tip my hat to him first off,because for a first time live experience, I felt like I had known the guy for years by the end of the show. I love that speedy familiarity. He spoke about the 10th anniversary of his album And The War Came and the set featured every single song from the album. Including “Big Time Nashville Star” with Ruby Waters for an encore. I instantly warmed up to the subtlety to his unique sound, slinking from ‘stomp, clap, hey’ to Greenwich folk to gothic blues with a grease slick of country. His banter was also very entertaining, which really is tough to do! It is always enjoyable for me to hear the stories behind the songs. With a double shot of Americana, this guy is much more interesting than any big Nashville star I’ve encountered!
I walked out of the dark revival feeling refreshed and content. The concert has ended, go in peace to love and serve those in need… Thanks be to Johnny Cash.