The Head And The Heart Tickets

Another weekday night in Brooklyn where the bands don’t care that some of us have day jobs and find it difficult to sit through a show that starts at 9:00pm and has two opening acts so that the headliner doesn’t appear until 11:00pm. The saving grace is that this new band only had one album and they don’t have a lot of songs so their set was only an hour long. rtb and I had difficulty figuring out the name of the opening act. I kept hearing Devil Oil but that didn’t seem right. Even when the second act and the headliner mentioned them I could not understand what they were saying. Devil Whale (from Salt Lake City) might want to consider a new name. The guys were dressed like their audience – I know that this isn’t the type of music that calls for sequins and rhinestones but once in a while I like to see performers dressed like performers. Musically the band fit well on a bill with The Head and the Heart – they’re also a little bouncy although no band could be as bouncy as The Head and the Heart. Drummer Cameron Runyan (on half a kit) was fantastic and a real stand-out. In fact, this was a night when all the drummers shone. Bassist Jake Fish was wearing a Michael Nesmith-type knit cap and lead singer/guitarist Brinton Jones was wearing the regular hipster knit cap. Jamie Timm played lead guitar. Wren Kennedy on keyboards was wearing a t-shirt with Andy Warhol’s cover drawing for The Velvet Underground & Nico. I can’t say I want to run out and buy their album but I am going to keep my eye on them. Thao with The Get Down Stay Down are from the south and Thao came out with a flimsy dress and cowboy boots – again not looking much different than a lot of the women in the audience. The sites I can find list old members or just a few members so I can’t list everyone – Lisa Schonberg was on drums and Adam Thompson on bass. There was another guy on percussion, one on horns, and one on electric guitar. Thao Nguyen was on acoustic and electric guitar and lead vocals. There was a woman on keyboards and back-up vocals – on one song she layered her backing vocals and it was really beautiful. It was especially beautiful in contrast to Thao’s vocals, which are quirky – girlish but throaty at the same time. Surprisingly, I recognized the song “Bag of Hammers” because it’s on my iPod (I have no idea where I got it). They opened their set with just drums – Schonberg and the percussionist – and then the other members walked in. All the songs were very beat-a-riffic but also very melodic. The cover Thao chose was Smokey’s “You Really Got a Hold on Me,” which didn’t fit her voice or her style of music. It was a brave and unusual choice and I appreciated the effort and the fact that she went outside of the usual indie choices for a cover. When rtb and I saw The Head and the Heart at their sold-out Mercury Lounge show in May, I wrote that it looked like they were going to be the next big thing. And it has come to pass. This summer they headlined shows and opened for all the biggest indie rock acts and played various festivals. That translated into three sold-out nights in September in NYC for this Seattle folk-pop band. Live “River and Roads” and “Down in the Valley” are still stand-outs (the former was the last song of the set before the encore and the latter was the second and last encore song). “Lost in My Mind” is another stand-out. The audience cheered for violinist/vocalist Charity Rose Thielen when she came out to set-up. Josiah Johnson (vocals, guitar, percussion) and Jonathan Russell (vocals, guitar, percussion) trade off lead vocals except for a few moments when they allow Charity to shine. She also has a quirky voice but she’s better at letting go for the lead and holding back the quirkiness when she’s on backing vocals. Also in the band are Chris Zasche (bass), Kenny Hensley (keyboards), and Tyler Williams (drums). There were more knit caps but at least Charity looked like someone who belonged on a stage and not in the audience. Everyone bounces. It doesn’t matter if they’re sitting or not. And everyone sings whether there is a mic in front of them or not. Everyone in the band looks like they’re having the time of their life and it’s nice to see them enjoying their time.

Love them, but rather see them live at a small venue! Amazing tho!

the band was great, the venue was good- they sounded amazing live. great time.

This show was amazing, I hope they come back around as soon as possible. I really liked the venue. It wasn't jam packed which was nice but unfortunate because it sold out and a few people I know weren't able to get tickets. Overall awesome experience! They brought so much energy to every single song. Great show!!

The Head and the Heart are a must see! Their shows have amazing energy and they give a great performance, They also tour with some great acts. I went initially to see their opening act and now can't wait to follow all three bands. The Royale is a perfect spot. A mini-House of Blues there is balcony seating and then open floor seating below. Large bar that was well staffed. Show was sold out and the place was still easy to navigate with out having to wait an hour to get a drink or use the bathroom. I will most definitely go back to see The Head and the Heart and to the Royale. A+

This was an amazing, dance from beginning to end show. I would totally recommend seeing these guys- you will NOT regret it!

Absolutely amazing band! Perfect, fun atmosphere live. I hope to see them again one day. Truly an experience! If you ever get the chance to see them, do not pass it up! Lovely crowd for an outstanding band, as well! :) Wonderful personality, wonderful people.

I was really impressed by Thao, of Thao and the get down stay downs. Great performer, great energy. H&H were predictably mesmerizing. Not a huge catalog of songs yet, but they impressed. They seemed genuinely grateful for the audience reaction too, which is always refreshing.

GREAT show. Royale is a beautiful venue! So glad I went.

Head & The Heart were AMAZING. Two opening acts were just OK.

This was my 5th & 6th time seeing THATH (went to both Bowery shows). I was lucky enough to see them back in February at Terminal 5 for my first show... and watched as this band's fanbase grow over the last 7 months (seeing practically a show a month). They have the most energy of any band I've seen...and it's so contagious to the audience! They are also great people (was fortunate enough to meet and chat with each member in July at Bearsville Theatre in Woodstock - awesome venue btw!) which makes them even more of a joy to watch. I love watching musicians have fun on stage.. and these 6 have a blast!! You can see it in their faces, the way they sing, dance and play. Can't wait to see them again!!

Wonderful show. The first opening band, Devil Whale, started off with a great sound... I would buy their cd. As for Head and the Heart ...a genuine and alluring mix of people who utilize many instruments and voices to create a folk fantasy. All fancy phrases aside, great show. Pitch and beats right on, and a great group dynamic. I highly recommend.

Great show!!! They have a lot of energy on stage, and they play to the crowd very well.

Great show. Head and the Heart sounds awesome live! Would see them again and again. Can't wait until they release another album.

Experiencing The Head and the Heart live was an immersion in folk-rock love and awesomeness. They're a group of musicians with an infectious passion for their craft, and with their careful handling of sentimental themes, end up actually leaving you with a lighthearted sense of optimism and joy. The band and the crowd fed off each other in the best possible way, creating a surprisingly intimate atmosphere in the pretty solidly mid-sized venue. They're just feel-good music. Period :)

Despite starting their set past this old fogy's usual bedtime, they had me clapping along and cheering after every song. They brought energy to the stage that matched the power in their singing. It's refreshing to seea band that so obviously loves what they are doing, as shown by their interaction with the audience, and jumping in with the opening act.

Incredible. These guys were amazing, the theatre's beautiful. Great crowd. Can't wait till they come back.

Could not have asked for a better concert experience. Undoubtedly one of the best shows I've ever seen. What a stellar group. Humble, fun, generous, and AMAZING. I would go back for this one again and again.

This event was jam-packed and everyone was singing along. Great time, great performance!

This was AMAZING. The Head and the Heart have soulful, relatable lyrics and a played beautifully heartfelt show. This was my second time seeing them and I absolutely recommend it to everyone. The venue was also perfect! The Royle Guilt is a great atmosphere with a bar if you're over 21. It's a very intimate setting. This show was worth every penny.