Venue
Blue Gate Performing Arts Center
EMMYLOU HARRIS IN CONCERT:
Throughout her long and storied career in country music, Emmylou Harris' unrestrainable voice has been an unfaltering source of inspiration. As a performer, Emmylou takes a personal tone with her fans, allowing them an intimate glimpse into her world with passionate renditions of classics like "Sweet Dreams" and "To Daddy." As she enters her fifth decade of performing, Emmylou is as radiant as ever, treating fans in 2014 to select dates on her Wrecking Ball Tour with Daniel Lanois.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Alabama-born singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris moved around the South as a child, eventually settling in to the '60s New York folk scene. Soon after, she met the legendary Graham Parsons of the Flying Burrito Brothers, who would become her country mentor. Their collaboration under his tutelage resulted in her major label solo debut Pieces of the Sky, a masterpiece that propelled her to fame. In the ensuing years, she has worked as a solo artist, a backing vocalist, and a duet partner for some of the biggest names in music. Over the course of her decade-spanning career, she has released 26 studio albums and won 13 Grammys.
FANS WHO BOUGHT TICKETS SAY:
" Emmylou started the show by herself and never left the stage 'til the very end. Her voice is beautiful, and her stage presence charming."
"This latest performance was as outstanding as ever. Her continued enthusiasm for her music and energy was inspirational."
"The best of the best. Great song selection. Excellent Band. Should be required viewing for today's aspiring musicians."
To see one of the greats in country and folk was a lifetime experience. She performed all 22 songs expertly. Emmylou was engaging with the audience and her band was exceptional. Short concert but sweet.
Everyone was very friendly and helpful. However the garage the Wilbur partners with at 660 Washington St also has another garage with the same address in Dorchester. I’m sure I’m not the only one whose GPS took them to Dorchester, which comes up first in the menu. The drive from there to Chinatown was a nightmare for me. But it was worth it to go to a cool old theatre for a great show!
I love the performance and her voice, it was great night full of historical and meaningful songs with beautiful lighting. I believe in miracle!
In Boston, Emmylou Harris and her band were awesome! They did songs spanning decades of her career. They also did an a capella number that gave me chills—it was so powerful. She performed for almost two hours without a break. She closed with Boulder to Birmingham, a song that has retained its power and poignancy. The sound system and/or acoustics at The Wilbur could have been better. At times, high notes seemed clipped and words were muddy. I saw her a year ago in Atlanta and heard none of these issues. I give Emmylou five stars, but only three for the venue.
I've seen Emmylou Harris several times over the decades, and she still puts on a great show, lots of singing and fine instrumentals, only a little talk (and all of it interesting). She is relaxed, energetic, and sincere, and she has a lovely voice. She also puts together an amazing band, with keyboards, accordion, percussion, bass (electric and upright), fiddle and mandolin. Band members also get a chance to shine. She played some older numbers and some newer ones, and the audience loved it. She's doing "mini tours"and I was thrilled to find she was coming to Boston.
The Chevalier theatre was a perfect venue for Ms. Harris' beautifully lilting vocals. While I am not the biggest fan of country music, I'd listen to that woman singing the phonebook. I've loved her for a good while, as well as my mother. When I saw that she was coming to town, I knew it'd be a perfect birthday gift for my mom. Her favorite music has always been folk, being a young adult through the 60's/70's. And so I knew she'd love Emmylou Harris, eventhough her albums were never in the house growing up. Aside from the silly prices every venue charges for drinks, the experience on a whole was fantastic. I'm glad we saw her in Medford, and not Boston.
Emmy Lou and her band put on a wonderful concert. She has been a favorite of mine for many decades. A real highlight to get to see her in a theater.
I had not seen Emmylou perform in almost 50 years and was pleasantly surprised to hear her voice as strong and beautiful as ever. The Red Dirt Band was spectacular with five very talented musicians. It was an evening of great entertainment.
Venue was easy to get to. Garcia's had a great selection and was a great place to get a drink before the show. Everyone was seated and the show started pretty much on time. Ushers were helpful. The setlst was great. I actually heard a lot of material I wasn't so familiar with and loved it.
How is it possible that this woman will soon be 77 and is still the ultimate songbird? It defies logic! Emmylou gave a fantastic show, playing for close to 2 hours and never missing a beat or a note. This is up right up there with my all time favorite shows. You don’t even need to know her songs to have a great time. Just listening to that iconic voice is truly an experience in and of itself. Do not miss her if she comes around again. I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
