Photos by Boston Concert Photography
Bearing witness to Spirit Family Reunion selling out The Sinclair in Harvard Square furthers the current tide that seems to be rolling through many channels today: work for it, live it, and it will happen.
Over the past few years, SFR have become well known for working their modestly sized audiences into foot-stomping, hand-clapping, throat-throttling sweats while belting out tunes that are reminiscent of a simpler time in our culture. Attending one of their shows was kind of like being in on a speakeasy. Your friends would tell you you should get to one of their shows while nodding their heads somewhat feverishly to emphasize they weren’t kidding. All the while, you got the feeling they were trying not to let the secret out. Of course, a stand-out performance at last years Newport Folk Festival (one they’ll be attempting to repeat this year) kinda let that cat out of the bag.
Not to fear, though! If you haven’t already fallen for them, you haven’t missed the boat. Friday night I saw them have the same effect on over 500 people, simultaneously. I dare say they’ve gotten better at their trade. You’ve still got plenty of time to catch this band at a venue that won’t swallow their sound whole.
Opening for Spirit Fam on this occasion were two acts with local roots: Thick Wild (formerly “MR. SISTER”) and Spitzer Space Telescope (a.k.a. one-man band Dan MacDonald). The former, fronted by Amelia Emmet, laid down a well crafted series of folk tunes that lead in nicely into the SFR set. Be on the look out for the sounds of Emmets voice. I’ve got the feeling it will travel well.
The former, Spitzer Space Telescope, was no doubt dynamic and most certainly an act I would see again. Dressed in garb harkening back to that of the middle ages, SST let loose with vocal stylings similar to early Mountain Goats and songs telling tales of lord knows what. If you’re looking to simply be entertained, I’d see if this guy is playing near you. That’s not do downplay his skills as a musician, as he certainly possesses them, but the act surrounding those skills is worth attention as well.
Surprised I didn’t see you there!
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Great writeup, especially this – ” Your friends would tell you you should get to one of their shows while nodding their heads somewhat feverishly to emphasize they weren’t kidding. All the while, you got the feeling they were trying not to let the secret out.” – true in so many ways. Plus, do the photos get bigger?
Great photos and write up of an amazing band! So glad the Music Savage gang got to see them at Cafe 939! SFR deserve all the accolades …and then some!
Gr8 photos of @spiritfam and friends at @TheSinclair from @musicsavage very own @studionumber9 http://t.co/EJk5CwWwRd <3 Spirit Family!
RT @RyanDRules: Gr8 photos of @spiritfam and friends at @TheSinclair from @musicsavage very own @studionumber9 http://t.co/EJk5CwWwRd &l …
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@doug: you mean you want them full screen?
Doug Hacker – did you get the lightbox on the photos?
nope, not this morning. it’s there now though.
Yah i had to go in and fix something. At least it’s workin now 🙂
So sick Steve!
thanks man, your paste shots are wicked as well!
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Gosh darn, I wish I was there for this one. What a line-up!
This was a good show except for not being able to hear Spitzer Space Telescope over all the drunkenness. I was happy to see him come out and join the Spirit Family Reunion for a song and I hope the next time I have a chance to see him perform, it won’t be in a room full of beer soaked amoebas.