It was just a few months ago – back in early May – when we considered the possibility of expanding our music coverage with a focus on our very own local music scene here in central PA and the immediate surrounding areas. While we travel frequently to catch our favorite Canadian musicians both near and far, we also understand the importance of seeking out and being supportive of venues and artists a little closer to home. Seeds for a “Live, Local, and (sometimes) Loud” recurring feature had been planted.
Prior to the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, we spent many evenings visiting The Thought Lot, an outstanding local (make that, very local) venue that brought in some fabulous and diverse musicians over the years (some were featured here at GDW – even earlier seeds, perhaps). Fellow GDW author Matt Wheeler was first seen and befriended in this very room, and through both fate and friendship with the business owners, Newfoundland artist Kellie Loder was invited to perform here in our small town. Not unlike many other intimate music spaces across the continent, however, the business did not survive during the dark days of the pandemic, and is sadly no more.
But it is not all doom and gloom for the local music scene. During the last couple of years, we have seen the emergence of a great new space just a short drive south across the MD state line – “Live at Hub City Vinyl” – who are promoting some fabulous regional and national touring acts. Having already enjoyed shows here featuring Canadian southern-soul rockers Bywater Call, acclaimed country artist Jim Lauderdale, and folk-indie artist Willi Carlisle, the venue continues to build on its solid reputation, with a second, larger room scheduled to open very soon to complement their current, more intimate space.
What truly prompted the origins for this new feature back in May, however, was hearing news from our pals at The Thought Lot, who were committed to re-establishing their “Flat Nickel Presents” booking agency and jump back into the game. Using their long-fostered connections to the industry, events are now being planned, bookings are being confirmed, and live music is returning to our community thanks to partnerships with businesses and available spaces. Local – yes please! Live – better still!! (Sometimes) Loud – count us in!!!
Aside from enjoying seeing a friend’s son perform a fabulous 30-minute gig with his high-school rock band, our live music status throughout July can be described, at best, as a complete drought. No shows since the Francos de Montréal in mid-June. Rolling into August, it was time to get back in the saddle – and with the first day of the month falling on a Friday, it coincided with a visit to Live at Hub City Vinyl to catch a show featuring VA-based country rockers Low Water Bridge Band (thanks to our pal Louise T. for the recommendation). A quick glance at one of the band’s music videos satisfied my cravings – tickets bought.
Touring to promote “Honky Tonk Process,” their third album – released on the very day of the show – this six-piece outfit dazzled a packed house with their amazing brand of romping, stomping, Americana meets roots-country rock. “Are you ready for some rock and roll,” co-vocalist Alex Kerns casually asked in passing on his way to the green room just moments before the show. Heck yeah, this music junkie is always ready for a fix. Intrigued, I googled the band to learn more before showtime and discovered rave reviews from reputable sources – Americana UK, The Spill Magazine, Americana Highways – my desire to scratch that live music itch only intensified. And talk about leaving a strong first impression. Not only did this band deliver, once their solid 90-minute concluded, this music junkie was eager to do it all over again. Those rave reviews were fully warranted.
Hailing from Berryville, VA – in the heart of the historic Shenandoah Valley – and comprised of Logan Moore (guitar/vocals), Alex Kerns (bass/vocals), Riley Kerns (drums/vocals), James Montgomery (lead guitar), Justin Carver (pedal steel/banjo/vocals), and Rudy Bzdyk (keyboards/fiddle/trumpet), Low Water Bridge Band very quickly demonstrate that they are much more than your average country roots-rock outfit. There is a noticeable authenticity in their sound and vibe, creating and performing music genuinely steeped in their rural Shenandoah mountains roots. Their laid-back demeanor allows their musicianship to shine – yet they are happy to let ‘er rip up there on stage. Their chemistry is palpable – they seem bonded like brothers as opposed to friends (noted – Alex and Riley are actual siblings). And their music adds hints of bluegrass, soul, and gospel-style harmonies, taking listeners on a journey to the heart of Appalachia and back. Did I mention they left a solid first impression?
New album tunes were well represented during the show – many introduced by Logan as his favorite from the record (later giving up and advising that all ten tracks are his favorites). Performances of “Trouble at Home,” “Living Alone,” and “Trust the Dark” were well received, as was “Drinkin’ Bout You” – the studio version being a collaboration with Alabama-based Americana artist Taylor Hunnicutt. “Alex will have to be Taylor tonight,” Logan joked, needing a vocal partner. “She’s tall. She’s taller than me,” Alex responded. “I hope I can do this. She is so fuckin’ tall.”
Older hits were also well received by a roomful of fans (lots of vehicles with VA plates out there in the parking lot). The band kicked off the show with “Siren of the Shenandoah” from their 2023 “Back to the Valley” album – adding other cuts including “600 Reasons” and “Clarke County Clay” – and closed out with a raucous encore performance of “Midnight in Virginia,” the title track from their 2021 debut album. The band remained tight all night, both Justin and Rudy frequently switching out instruments mid-song (as opposed to in-between songs), and Riley adding more than simple vocal harmonies from behind the drum kit – ala Don Henley style.
Following the mid-point of the set, both lead vocalists would take time to perform solo-acoustic numbers while the band made a brief hiatus. Trading his electric guitar for the acoustic variety, Logan would remain at center-stage to perform “Hold On,” a stripped-down version of one of the new album cuts. Yielding the stage to Alex, the bassist would switch his instrument for an acoustic six-string, take a seated position, and after talking of his admiration for musician Tyler Childers, shared a wonderful interpretation of Tyler’s “Honky Tonk Flame.”
A great night of entertainment at Live at Hub City Vinyl, and proof once again that nothing touches the soul quite like a music experience. Low Water Bridge Band provided everything needed on a summer’s Friday night. The band were on fire – check the Live box. The venue was just a short drive away – ditto for the Local box. And the decibels in the room were bouncing – plus one for the Loud box; scratch the (sometimes) box on this occasion. Coming up soon, we have our first Flat Nickel Presents show of the season circled on our calendar – we can’t wait for that.
The British guy that crossed the ocean and crash landed in central Pennsylvania (to quote Greg Keelor, “And I wonder what am I doing here?”). As the youngest of four siblings, exposure to music from a very early age nurtured my passion and appreciation for many musical genres. Continuing to discover some amazingly diverse and talented musicians based in Canada, I gravitate to live music experiences and remain devoted to spreading the word about such a vibrant music scene.
