The Seldom Scene Tickets

Too bad we had to wait over 4 hours to see the Seldom Scene. The two opening bands were ok but unexpected. I would have preferred a 90 minites concert of the Seldom Scene ezven though both other bands (hot Seats + ??) were ok. When the 3 bands met just before midnight on December 31, we thought they'd play something special and put some emotion. They didn't.

we happened to be in town and remembered the Seldom Scene from a show at the Cellar Door in the 70's. they only have one of the original members, Ben Eldridge, but we were fortunate to hear his son (who is usually with Punch Brothers) at this show. their sound is the same and great as ever too!

Just not enough time for them; wish they had been the only act. They are as sharp and smooth as ever and have a real sweet repartee with the audience. It's obvious they continue to love what they do.

The Seldom Scene made one of their rare but regular appearances at the Birchmere Saturday night, a New Years tradition of many years standing, and they gave an audience composed of old friends a dependably wonderful concert of old songs, delivered with good humor, folksy camaraderie, and polished musicianship. It would be hard to sing too many praises for this established band which has been (in my view) the gold standard for bluegrass and bluegrass plus over the years, particularly in vocal power and creative range. Tim Finch and the Eastman String Band opened the show --a remake of the Good Deale Bluegrass Band. They were perhaps not quite ready for prime time --by the time Tim Finch stopped a song for the second time because he couldn't remember the words, the audience was already restive from long tuning breaks and amateurish horsing around. This opening band took more than their allotted time and one sensed the audience wishing they would move along more quickly. The Hot Seats from Richmond followed. By contrast, this band was all business, tight timing, and efficiency. They are composed of fiddle, tenor and bluegrass banjo, mandolin, guitar, bass, and percussion, all handled masterfully by five young guys. I could have gladly heard them play longer, but they stuck to their schedule. Their musicianship is phenomenal and they shared a microphone like the old timey bluegrass bands, trading off instruments in turn. Their repertoire, a mixture of original and traditional tunes, was well balanced and exciting, and the audience woke right up and went along for the ride. They left the stage with the audience calling for more. I definitely intend to find and hear them again. My rating was based on an average of Fair for Tim Finch & Company, Amazing for the Hot Seats, and Recommended for the Seldom Scene.

We didn't get as much TSS stagetime as we would have liked, the opening acts took awhile (they were worth it). Only about an hour of TSS. Could have been timed a little better. All the shows were excellent an worth every penny.

It was a fabulous four hours. Seldom Scene was their at best holding my rapt attention. The opening acts were fine lead-ins and wete well matched with the Scene. Looking forward to 2012!

I have now been to the Birchmere twice and have been wowed both times by the performances. 1st was Vince Gill and he played for 4 hours straight. I was blown away and so pleased that he played the mandolin almost the entire time--that is my instrument. The second show was the Seldom Scene and I regret that I waited to see them for so long. I feel deprived as I have been in the DC area for more than 40 years. I never got to see or hear John Duffy except on recordings. More than any other part of the show the vocals by Lou, Dudley and Travers were outstanding and the harmonies moved me tremendously especially on Herb Pedersen's "Wait a Minute." Ben Eldridge was rock solid on the banjo and the guest appearance by his son Chris flatpicking his guitar only added to the musicality of the evening. My only regret is that they did not play longer but at least they will have me coming back for more.

Totally fun concert. The former group members performed great and the whole evening was terrific.

Excellent show, all of the original SS (even Duffy in spirit) were there and they did do some geezing (their words) but still were sharp and top-notch. The current SS are all chock full of talent and many off-spring there too. Nice trip down memory lane.

NOTHING QUITE LIKE THE OLD MEMBERS, THERE IS A REASON THEY LASTED SO LONG!! iF GARY WERE SMART, HE WOULD TRY FOR A SELDOM SENIORS GIG EVERY 6-9 MONTHS, WITH EMILY LOU AND OTHER GUESTS NOTHING AGAINST TO CURRENT, BUT THEY ARE, AFTER ALL, THE NEW AND REPLACEMENT PEOPLE.

A fantastic mix of the original, current and new (critters). Of course, John Duffy was sorely missed but the anecdotal stories were very much appreciated. As expected, the Scenes harmonies were fantastic.

This was an amazing show which brought generations of extremely talented musicians for an unforgettable experience! I can't wait to see the Seldom Scene again at the Rams Head on December 30th!

Great show. We've found a new favorite group: Red Molly.

Both Red Molly and the Seldom Scene played full shows and both were at the top of their game. Red Molly did all new material. The songs were well-writen, and nthe harmonies were beautiful. Abbie Gardner's dobro playing has become masterful. In all, they were fabulous. The Seldom Scene, always dependable, went far beyond dependable. In their home club, a place where they've been mainstays for decades, they were relaxed and comfortable; in fact, I've never seen them that funny before. Even though they clowned and had a good time, the music was still sharp, precise and inventive

Seldom Scene played their amazing stuff much as they did last year, but Red Molly provided a talent-packed fresh sound, both the deft instrumentals and their welcome female vocals in the blue grass tradition! Fabulous performances by both bands.

Great Venue, up close and personal! Red Molly was excellent and the Seldom Scene was a special treat. i would highly recommend this lineup again!

The Seldom Scene and Red Molly presented an excellent double header in this show. Both groups are focused on vocal harmony and the folk/bluegrass border. Red Molly is energized with a new member, Molly Venter, who adds a strong voice and good songwriting to the team. This is a group on the rise and they are coming back to DC on January 20 at the Wolf Trap Barns. The Seldom Scene were in excellent form as well. Great music, amazing harmonies, and some very funny banter as well. They generously invited Red Molly back on the stage for an encore of Amazing Grace that was certainly fun.

Wonderful show. Red Molly is a force of the future. Super harmonies and powerful performance.

As a long-time fan of the Seldom Scene, I knew what to expect - great instrumental work and clean, tight harmony. But what an unexpected surprise Red Molly turned out to be! Their opening number, a rousing tune by Abbie Gardner entitled "Jezabel', was one of the best songs I've heard in quite some time. Ms. Gardner's driving beat on the dobro and smoky, blues-flavored vocals rocked the place. Great concert, start to finish!

great evening - red molly had some great harmonies and seldom scence was wonderful as usual