Hey Kyle,

          Sorry for the delay in a review. Well, I have to say the show was one of the most amazing musical experiences I've ever had. I am a bit biased I will admit...I love the Band and Levon's work as well. The guy has something that's just all his own. Totally unique! His way with the drums and his sense of where to go is just stunning. I can understand why people will come from all over to play with him or hear him do his thing. I don't want to just sit here and gush so on to the show.

Here's the deal, if you have any interest at all in Levon or the Band and like that style of rootsy rock 'n' roll, YOU HAVE TO GET TO ONE OF THESE SHOWS! The band is fantastic and the opener Alexis Suter is a lot of fun as well. They opened the night (right at 8pm on the dot) with a set of  funky r&b. She's got a big ol' voice and a tight band behind her. She made sure to point out to the crowd that we were in fact standing in Levon's living room, that when you went in to use the bathroom, it was his toothbrush and razor and shaving cream by the sink. She wanted to make sure that everybody understood we were in Levon's house and in all honesty not enough can be made of that fact (more on that later.) It is a very cool place too. The whole vibe that runs through the evening is like it's a big house party. It really is very relaxed and it's amazing how many musicians are there playing at one time. There's horns, keys, two guitar players, a drummer, a bass player, a whole slew of singers (at one point most of the opening band and Levon's band were all up there at the same time), some wandering percussionists, Larry Campbell adds fiddle and banjo at times, Little Sammy blowing his harp, plus Levon doing his thing either on drums, mandolin, or guitar. I don't think they could fit another person up there.

The music ran the full spectrum, blues, country, folk, rock...basically you name it they play it. Levon opened things up on mandolin with "A Man of Constant Sorrow" (great song for him) and followed that still on mandolin with Atlantic City (which the later Robbie Robertson-less Band recorded). For my money Levon always did a better version of Atlantic City than Bruce (sorry Peter if you're reading this) and I love the Band's version. Levon had a cold but it only seemed to hamper him a little vocally and considering he's recovered from cancer the guy sounds fantastic. Following those two songs Levon let some of the other talent around him take lead vocal duties. Levon smiled a smile that could light runways in all the airports coast to coast. The sheer joy the man seems to exude as he plays and watches the others around him play is just flat out beautiful. He really brings everybody in the room up several levels...the whole crowd seems to feel it. He's just beaming the whole time. I mean he really seems to be loving every second...it's just so incredible the feeling he generates. I had seen Levon before with the Band (the version without RR) and this is just so different.  

I have to say the whole thing really is like a mini version of the Last Waltz except without the sadness and or bitterness that may have been part of that event. This is all just pure joy and celebration. It's just all about the music. With the rotating singers and musicians, the constant reconfiguration for each song or set of songs...it's hard not to think of the Last Waltz.

There were of course Band or Band related songs...Rag Mama Rag, Ophelia, Don't Ya Tell Henry, Atlantic City, Don't Wanna Hang Up My Rock'n'Roll Shoes etc...there were songs by Ray Charles, and there was a blow the roof off the barn encore of The Battle is Over But the War Goes On. Levon played for a little over 2 1/2 hours.

These guys were basically a living, breathing, funky, rocking, grooving encyclopedia of American music.

The only thing that bothered me came at the end of the show. The point had been made that we were in Levon's house...clearly and by more than one person. So, maybe it's just me but I would think people would respect that fact. As the crowd cleared out there were plastic cups and garbage just thrown about all over the floor. Now, I know anybody that's had a big house party knows that there's usually a big mess to clean up but that was just disrespectful in a big way. 

There is a very good crew of people that work the ramble for Levon and they started clean up right away but still...made me a little angry to see it and I have to wonder what goes through some people's heads. I mean come on...do they just throw their shit on the floor at home?

Bottom line is the man is a National Treasure and these shows are not to be missed. Whatever you need to do to get there...DO IT! There is just nothing you can compare to the atmosphere and feeling of seeing this kind of show in such an amazing setting.

My next visit is likely to be March 10.