Watkins Family Hour

I was excited when I saw that The Watkins Family Hour was taking their show on the road and coming to The Birchmere. When I saw the lineup of artists who would be performing with them such as Fiona Apple and Benmont Tench it made me even more excited. They met all my expectations and then some. They did most of the songs from their new album as well as a song from Sara's last album and a song from Nickel Creek's latest album as well as a number of others. Mark Shatz also joined them for a couple of songs and played banjo. Mark lives locally and it's common for them to invite friends to play with them who live near the places they're playing. They also had a fellow from Minot, North Dakota join them.He came out at the beginning of the show and talked a little as well as play a couple of songs with his acoustic guitar. He was amusing and very down to earth. He also joined them later in the show. Unfortunately his name escapes me. Drummer Don Heffington, bass player Sebastian Steinberg and piano man Benmont Tench also did songs themselves. Fiona Apple was outstanding. She sang any style of music asked of her including an old style bluesy, jazzy number a la Billie Holliday. Sara and Sean's musicianship and singing were top of the line as usual. It was a very enjoyable evening for my wife and I.

Watkins Family Hour are incredibly talented, and they owned the stage at this show. I can't wait to see them again, and am a bigger fan because of the show! Jane Pickens Theater in Newport is the perfect venue for an act like this, great acoustics and the right ambiance. Sarah Watkins far outshone the bigger-named Fiona Apple. The guest stars and appearances, such as the Lone Bellow, were the icing on the cake, leaving the crowd begging for more. Fantastic show!

Perfect all around. Great musicians actually playing together rather than racing through predetermined sets.

What an opportunity to be up close and personal with such music royalty and talent! Sara and Sean are amazing, and their friends are too. It was a great intimate experience to wrap up the festival!