First, off the venue was incredible. The Birchmere in Alexandria, VA is nothing short of magical. I love that they give you line numbers according to when you pick up your tickets so that you don't have to wait outside in a long line before your show. They let you pick up your tickets at the box office starting at 5pm and you are allowed to wait inside where it's warm before they start calling your numbers to get seats at 6p.m. The sound at this place is amazing. We were sitting really close to the gentleman working the sound board, and could tell he really paid attention to the whole band and knew what he was doing to make every single person sound the best.
The first opening band, Among the Oak and Ash, blew me away. Josh Joplin's energy is indescribable. They had no drummer, but the beat Joplin creates when just by stomping his feet while playing the guitar makes up for not having any drums. They segued easily between old-timey mountain gospel and pure rock and roll. I felt like I witnessed a tiny slice of music history in their short but sweet set.
Landon Pigg is a talented singer songwriter, however I just wasn't feeling it that night. I personally think there is only but so much room I have in my head and heart for the singer/songwriter type and at present that space is full. But I will not disparage his abilities in the least, because I believe there's something out there for everyone. If you really love the soft-voiced, melodic singer-songwriter then check him out. For me, for this night, I wasn't too particularly into it. But then, Among the Oak and Ash was a hard act to follow.
Now for the main act - this was my first time seeing A Fine Frenzy live and it was everything I had expected and more. Alison Sudol is a performer in every sense of the word. You can tell that when she sings, it is truly pouring out from the heart. I was brought to tears numerous times, but especially during The Minnow and the Trout. I happened to glance at the table next to ours during this song, and another girl was inconspicuously trying to wipe a tear at the same time as me. I think Alison and the whole band were really having a terrific time dressing up for Halloween, and the atmosphere again was magical. I will never miss a chance to see Alison and A Fine Frenzy. As far as female performers go, she is the best I have ever seen. She is sweet and sexy, tragic and joyous all at once. She is definitely not one to be missed, ever.