Hard Working Americans

My friend and I went to attend a concert by the Hard Working Americans this past Sunday, August 21, 2016. My friend had seen them at the Bijou the year before and recommended that I go with him. I am so happy that I did. The opening act, The Congress, were so good that I bought a CD of their last release. But the best was yet to come. The Hard Working Americans hit the stage and did not relinquish the stage until they had completely played out their two albums plus several covers. One being a heart felt tribute to the late Guy Clark, who passed this past May. This was over three hours of pure musical bliss on the Hard Working Americans alone, not counting the set by The Congress. These guys are truly hard working Americans. The icing on the cake was getting to meet the band after the show. Especially Duane Trucks and Dave Schools, who are two of the most personable guys you could ever meet. No rock star egos here, folks!

Another unforgettable experience with this supergroup! Full of surprises ~ this band always delivers! Bijou Theatre is a perfect venue, sound and staff always above and beyond!

I honestly went just to see Todd Snider. What I experienced was no less than mind-blowing. Hardworking Americans worked musical magic. I didn't have a drop to drink (or anything else for that matter), but I left sky-high. Just a beautiful experience!

Ist time with HWA and Delmar Hall. A terrific experience.

I enjoyed the show as well as all the other guests did. Alot of dancing and course singing. Everyone was into the moment. I all so attended the Steeldrivers the night before. Steeldrivers a 10, Todd Snider and The Hard Working Americans 7. Both worth the time and price.

Todd Snider is a storyteller, and a humorous one. So how did he think that becoming a frontman for this thunderous, plodding emotionless group of rock players was a good idea? He looked lost on stage. No trademark humor, no stage patter, just singing drowned out by overly loud bass and guitar. Todd tried to animate the show, but the band was so remote and lifeless that there was no way he could draw the audience in. It was weird. We left early.

But they were dashed after attending the show. Oh well ... I won't be paying to see them again.

I love these guys! Third time seeing them and will keep coming as long as they keep playing! Took the wife to her first HWA show and she had a blast as well!

I am a Todd Snider Fan so not use to him abandoning his stand up story telling routine but i found out thru google he is afflicted with arthritus so it is hard for him to play guitar now and is enjoying playing as part of a group at this juncture. THat said, the group had fantastic musicians who unfortunatelly for Todd fans overwhelmed his voice so we could not hear him sing most of the time. He is still very likeable goofy charismatic but it would be better if he talked at least a little more. The music was great they just need to give him a louder microphone or play quieter. Basically it was a REALLY good show i would go back to see them. THe filmore was a cool venue to see them also. So note to the Hardworking Americans figure out how Todds voice can be heard over the music. Since it is a Jam band, the jamming is awesome but if Todd is going to bother to sing we want to hear him.

I guess since I have seen most of the musicians in the other bands and loved their new album "Rest in Chaos" I expected it to be a no brainier of a ripping show. As we left little after midnight, my wife said it perfect, "I thought the album sounded better." Tom Snyder we had never seen before and he was a bit distracting in his stage presence...nuff said.

While the Hard Working Americans are a fine rock band, it's hard to blend their music with Todd Snider the troubadour. We left halfway through the show, disappointed not to get our fix of any of Todd's music.

I knew they were going to be very good but they exceeded that. They don't try to be cool, they just are...Neal Casal is an incredible guitar player. Too bad the crowd was too small for music of this quality but HWA did not care they played like they this was their last show smiling all the while. I hope they keep writing music together because "Rest in Chaos" is an excellent album. Go See Them and bring all your friends they will be indebted to you forever.

Best touring band out there mixed crowd of good people who aporeciate the goid vibes of wholesome awesomeness. The kinda music you get all iver your face and hands just big gobs of groovy that you need to wear a bib. Hipsters jammers pist hippys and folkies classic rawkers and alt rockers of all agrs gathered around to feast

Heartfelt, beautifully written and delivered songs for the hard working men and mama's out there...don't miss a chance to see these guys...they are good!!!

As a fan of several of the musicians in this band, I was looking forward to the show. Any trepidation regarding whether the ensemble would "work" was quickly quashed when the concert began. Todd Snyder sang and moved as if possessed by the combined energy and enthusiasm of Joe Cocker, Steven Tyler, Mick Jagger, AND Todd Snyder! Dave Schools, celebrating his 50th birthday, and Duane Trucks laid down incredible rhythm. Neal Casal's guitar was crisp and ever present throughout the show. Chad Staehly (keys) and Jesse Aycock (guitar and lap steel) were both featured consistently and impressively. There wasn't a boring moment, and I left satisfied and wanting more!

Hat's off to the hardest working band in the industry! It was especially cool to experience Dave's Birthday with the band. H.W.A. got Knoxville BACK ON THEIR FEET AND WORKING Thank You Bijou for bringing quality entertainment in our community. As always, respect and blessings to H.W.A.

Todd's voice was very ragged and used up . It was almost ( from our seats ) impossible to make out his lyrics except for the most familiar choruses . I don't know if it was illness or what . The other musicians although very talented completely drowned out the singer . They were mixed way too loud for such a small room . Todd is a great songwriter . We did not get even a taste of that side . Overall a very disappointing performance .

Outstanding band. Great venue. Fun show. Highly recommend.

This band is so much fun to see and just keeps getting better!

The Hard Working Americans rocked the Variety Playhouse! This ain't no toe tapping show...its foot stomping and knee shaking.

Great venue, awesome band can't wait to see them again!

There is no better, rocking, jam, dance band around. Todd Schaefer opening was a bonus. He played a selection of RRE songs, his solo songs, and a bit of Dead thrown in. He got me dancing from the beginning. Too bad the music people in DC missed this great show. It meant more room, no crowding or pushy people, but the usual amount of talkers still showed up. I can't imagine a more fun show.

...to see the Hard Working Americans if you are lucky enough to live in an area they are playing. Enough said. You'll see what I mean. In terms of the TLA - ah?? Wish they would have played Union Transfer again. The TLA has made some improvements, since I was there lase and it's a good room, but not my favorite venue in Philly.

todd snider with a super group of jam band musicians. how can you go wrong? missing were snider's antics of telling stories instead of playing songs. but that was fine. instead there were times when snider had to sit down and just watch the band flesh-out a few songs. the band was tighter than i expected, with more planned, controlled instrumental segments than you might expect considering their normal bands. if you're a fan of any of their day-time jobs - widespread panic, chris robinson brotherhood, great american taxi - then take the time an check these guys out live. they may seem like a 'covers' band, but what they do with the songs is amazing.

The level of musical interplay was professionally solid and at times enlightened.

I love Todd Snider's music and rambling stories; had seen him with Hard Working Americans and enjoyed that presentation too. So I had high hopes for this show Thursday night, even brought my sis visiting from out of town, wanting to introduce her to Todd's delightful stories and pithy lyrics. The band was tight and Todd seemed relaxed and in his zone. But the music was TOO LOUD, only occasionally could we actually hear the lyrics. Even knowing the songs, I couldn't make out the words most of the time, and my poor sis was left clueless. Sound balance would have fixed everything.

One of the best shows I've seen so far this year, and leading candidate for favorite new band of 2014. Simply amazing. Neal Casal vastly exceed any past performances I've seen from him, while Dave Schools and Todd Snider delivered all one could ask for and then some.

Super Great Deluxe. This band should be huge. Buy the album if you missed the show.

THIS WAS A VERY POWERFUL PERFORMANCE OUT OF DOZENS OF SHOWS. THE WAY THE BAND REWORKED OLD FAVORITES TO MAKE THEM SOAR WAS PRETTY INCREDIBLE. THE BAND GELLED AS IF THEY HAVE BEEN TOGETHER FOREVER.

Todd was great and the band is the best group he has been with so far. There is not a bad song on the album. "Straight to Hell" is the best of the lot but love them all