Doc Watson

very enjoyable evening. All three musicians excellent, but Doc was fantastic

The place was PACKED with a really diverse audience. Everyone was thrilled when Doc Watson took the stage. Honestly, at 88, he could have just strummed some notes and shared a few stories and I'd still have felt it was a privilege to be there. But Doc rocked! Man, the guy can play that guitar, and his voice is still unique and beautiful. He, David Holt and their fellow musicians treated us to a number of Doc's "greatest hits" and mixed in some other good pieces. And the stories were fun to hear.

I saw Doc in 1988 at the Philadelphia Folk Festival, however I wasn't a blue grass fan. 23 years later I'm a huge Doc Watson fan, and he's still amazing after all this time. Glad I saw him again in a great venue like the Keswick.

Although I've listened to Doc many times, this was my first opportunity to see him live. But he is older than I thought (88 now) and the years are starting to show. Still, a rare chance to see and hear a living legend. David Holt was a pleasant surprise, but the real treat of the night was the opening set by Tony Trischka. He is the undisputed king of contemporary banjo (forget about Bela Fleck--he's primarily for jam band fans and genre-benders). The Keswick Theater is a fantastic venue. Easy parking, safe neighborhood, great crowd. Biggest disappointment was that it wasn't sold out. It's a great place for "cafe bands" and indie rock acts, but I would sit a little closer (front half) for an acoustic act like Watson.

At 88 years old, Doc Watson doesn't sing or play guitar as well as he did in his prime, but he still does a great job of it.. More importantly, his age seemed to increase the poignancy of the concert. It felt honest and intimate. He brought me, and half the audience, to tears with his rendition of "The 12th of Never" Amazing. I am so grateful to have seen this concert.

I enjoyed the concert very much, even though Doc was not quite himself. He is still the best I ever heard. The sound in the theater was excellent. I thought that the combination of Dave Holt and the baseman was excellent. I just wish I could have gotten a seat closer, but there really wasn't a bad seat in the place.

Doc Watson is a living legend! Thank you for a lifetime of musical joy! Keep it going!

If you missed this chance to see a National Treasure, he is 88 years old he speaks and plays from the heart, it was my 2nd chance to photograph Doc, it was a great event

This event will remain in my mind's eye for a long, long time. It's not every day one can see an icon of folk music who is still around and playing well. Doc Watson was still good, and entertained us with stories in his warm, rambling and deep voice. He's 88 years old now and won't be around forever, so I'm very glad I got to see him with some very good back-up folks: David Holt, who plays with him a lot nowadays, his grandson (!), and a bass player.

The venue was wonderful. Easy access, restaurant accross the street was perfect and back ground music reflects the performance for the day. Very clever. Have seen Doc Watson a couple of times before and he is still great even though he is 88 years old.

Doc Watson put on an EXCELLENT show at the Keswick to benefit the Philadelphia Folksong Society. He's 88 years old, and David Holt and the others who played with him didn't carry him at all! His pickin' and singing are stong as can be. They choose their songs on the fly, and he even jokes with his other musicians, "yeah, well, I guess we can do that one." David Holt did most of the talking, but Doc did tell a few stories and crack a few jokes. Go see him if you have the chance. He is a living legend, and although he may speak slowly now, his guitar work hasn't slowed down at all. Every song was impressive. Thank you, Doc, for an unforgettable night.

I don't know how long we will be able to see and hear Doc Watson perform; the man is approaching 88. He and Pete Seeger mark a time in folk singing that is slipping fast into history, and so it was marvelous to be present when history is made. John Holt, Doc's long time partner, were a great duet, backed up by a wonderful bass player, with an appearance toward the end of Doc's grandson Richard Watson. The icing on the cake was the opening act, the other icon of the review title: Peter Trishka, who opened the show with a 45 minute session on the banjo. His skill and technique in both the old timey style on the open back gut strung banjo and his signature Blue Grass style on the standard banjo with a pot and Scruggs pegs were spectacular. How can anyone play that fast?!

The June 5th Doc Watson & David Holt benefit concert at the Keswick Theatre for the Philadelphia Folksong Society was fantastic. A very appreciaitive and knowledgable crowd full of folk and Americana music enthusiasts welcomed the legendary Doc Watson and multi-talented David Holt with open arms. The songs were played and sung with spirit, and the rapport between the artists and the conversation about the tunes being played was interesting. A highlight of the show was when Doc performed solo, and touchingly sang the Johnny Mathis song "Twelfth of Never" in tribute to his wife who is in rehab ... you could literally hear a pin drop in the audience, as it filled me up with great emotion ... "You ask how much I need you, must I explain? I need you, oh my darling, like roses need rain. You ask how long I'll love you; I'll tell you true: Until the twelfth of never, I'll still be loving you." May Doc Watson's & David Holt's talents always be treasured.

Doc Watson is a living legend. David Holt is an amazing musician and preservationist.

Still strong in voice and well supported by good friends and grandson. Slowing down a bit, but still a great picker and a last view back to the birth of modern folk and bluegrass!

There are no words to describe Mr. Watson's talent!

Although 87 years old, Doc Watson is still the master flat picker of all time. The years have not slowed his fingers, nor diminished the strong, mellow, exquisite resonance of his voice. He is still an essential resource of story treasures about the early days of bluegrass, when he was playing with the giants and becoming recognized as a giant himself, and they are told in Doc's unique country-gentlemen, warm and elegant humor. David Holt, who is a master craftsman himself and a devoted companion to Doc, is adept at navigating both song and story with Doc. He has performed a wonderful service in cherishing this precious resource, and the fusion of these two talents onstage creates a warm, engaging musical interlude that is unparalleled . The only somber tones to the experience come when you realize that, at this point in time, this wonderful magic can only be conjured so many more times. Experience a truly genuine and unequivocal talent while you can.

Doc Watson is a legend! David Holt was a tremendous addition with his incredible performing skills, clear voice and strong guidance. We enjoyed every second of this once in a lifetime performance.

What an enjoyable evening! We felt like we were sitting in a comfortable living room with the master. His warmth, skill, and music made for a memorable evening.

This was my first opportunity to see Doc Watson in concert. The music and storytelling were awesome as expected. The most moving part of the show for me was actually watching Doc be escorted on and off the stage; there was something about just watching him walking with his guitar that I'll never forget. Also, before he left the stage, he bowed to the audience; left me speechless.

Doc Watson is a national treasure, and he did not disappoint, even at 87 years old. David Holt and T. Michael Coleman were a wonderful foil for this evening of traditional high-quality bluegrass. They gave us two hours of non-stop old classics, with one little intermission. Although one sense it from his playing, Doc won't be with us forever, so it was terrific to see him now in such a wonderful and intimate venue as the Birchmere.

It was Doc Watson so the expectation is huge--and at 80 something Doc still delivers.

It was inspiring to see Doc. His presence on stage is incredible, and David Holt is a master at keeping Doc straight...Very,very good show.

Seeing Doc Watson in person after hearing him for decades was a highlight of my long life. He was so young in spirit, in voice and in playing. His playful, generous spirit was on full display. His yodeling was such a happy treat. the entire evening was unforgetable. I bought the legacy package of CDs and played one this morning to keep the evening alive today. What a voice! What a life! What a presence. Thank you for bringing him here so we could see him.

Doc Watson at 84 years of age picks that guitar better than anybody alive today! Must see!

This show was amazing! Doc Watson played a lot of old favorites, some I had never heard before, but each one was a masterpiece. David Holt was great as his sidekick and told some really good Doc stories along the way. I wish I could have gone to both shows and wonder how they compare. The crowd was very enthusiastic and kept the musicians going. Doc's guitar playing is magical and it really shows what playing for 70+ years can do. Encore, encore!

At 84, or is he 85, Doc Watson is a national treasure. His energy is astounding and the songs are as good now as ever. And the Birchmere, one of the few remaining really good, small music venues does Doc justice with great sound, good food and intimate setting. Not a bad seat in the house. And did I say Doc was in great form. Bring the kids, introduce a new generation to Doc.

Went to see Doc Watson last night at the Birchmere. I have been listening to him and going to his concerts for over 30 years. He is one of my favorite musicians. He is 87 now and he does not sing all of the same notes he used to sing, but he still belts out the songs very well and he can still pick up a storm. He plays different tunes from what I used to hear him play, for the most part, but they are all good. For instance, he no longer does Tennesee Stud. Also, the Birchmere is a great place to go. No real bad seats and you feel up close and personal. Also, they have improved their food a lot!!!