Bela Fleck & the Flecktones

Absolute perfection. Four geniuses interacting seamlessly fusing jazz with some twang and a bit of bluegrass and God knows what. Progressive music at its best. And they enjoy doing it it a humble artistic way.

Being completely unfamiliar with the venue, we didn't know what to expect. It had been years since we were able to get to a flecktones show and this date worked perfectly. We brought our teenagers and some friends, one of which had never heard of them. Our friends had already figured out the parking and had a Location for us to park on the street. We had a bit of a walk through the pleasant neighborhood and wow, what a beautiful venue. We walked right in, sat down and instantly the show started. Show was awesome as always! Bela, Victor, Roy and Howard all seemed to enjoy themselves as did we. So great show! Cain Park was a great venue and we hope to return! Bela fleck and the flecktones put on a great show as usual and we know we will see them again!

If you ever get the chance to see Bela and his group on insane musicians in concert, you must go! It will be an event you will never forget. I have seen Bela Fleck & the Flecktones several times now and they have never disappointed. You will not regret spending the ticket price to see these amazing musicians. I mean, who else can play the drums on something akin to a buttoned guitar?

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are all clearly gifted individual musicians who have fun performing together. They really know how to put on a great show; don't miss them the next time they come into town.

This show was a special event. Howard Levy, one of the founding members of the Flecktones, performed with the group for the first time in almost 20 years, because Jeff Coffin was busy performing with Dave Matthews Band. Seeing the original Flecktone lineup back together, with the guys all having so much fun and absolutely tearing the house down musically was an absolutely magical experience. As well, the guest artists (Tuvan throat singers "Alash") were stellar. I've heard this style before, but this group was truly outstanding. The program primarily included songs from the Flecktones' Christmas album, which were all very enjoyable and unusual takes on Christmas classics. In honor of Howard's presence, it also included some old Flecktone favorites, like "Sex in a Pan" and "The Sinister Minister". And, they also played some selections from a forthcoming album on which Howard will appear (spoiler: they're great!) Béla, Victor, Future Man and Alash all got featured solo time (too bad Howard didn't perform something solo -- that would have been a treat!). I gather that Howard won't be performing at other dates on the holiday tour, but this show with Jeff Coffin would have been extremely enjoyable as well. i would recommend the show either way!

The holiday music covers they did just blew my mind, so familiar, yet so different. I would recommend anyone to see the Flecktones... Howard Levy is kind of a douche though

So sweet. I was worried that the Christmas theme/songs would take away from the concert. It was quite the opposite- the Christmas songs were great. Everyone in the band is so talented.

I go to many shows, rock, bliss, bluegrass, and jazz. This was the best show of the year for me. The music was truly unforgettable. The staging and lights were the best I've seen. And the Fox theater is an outstanding venue visually and acoustically. Musical genius.

I got tickets for my husband, as he has become a total banjo head, fully expecting that i would just have an OK evening. I couldn't have been more wrong! The virtuosity of the musicians and their obvious bond and love of what they do were spellbinding! We went for Bela, but LOVED Futureman and the bass guitarist Victor. I don't know the name of the harmonica player -- but he was AMAZING as well. Then came.... Alash. Not since my days as a World Arts & Cultures major have I been so excited by something so foreign and yet so obviously universal. Throat signing is amazing! Bela and the Flecktones would be worth seeing anywhere -- just icing on the cake that it was at the most beautiful venue I've ever entered, the Fox Theater in Oakland. I'd see Brittany Spears there -- well, maybe not!

What musicianship, just extraordinary. The Christmas tunes were a joy too.

Wonderful show! True virtuosos in their respective instruments. They put a fun spin on the songs they played and made it a truly enjoyable evening.

as usual, these guys show they are individually each the masters of their own domains.

The highlight was The Twelve Days of Christmas, each day in a different time signature, and a different key!!! A real riot when they reached twelve!!!

Howard Levi needs to be a regular. I can't imagine the performance without him. The rehearsals these people must do! Fabulous virtuosity. I often wished the lighting effects would back off so I could see the performers better. And the seating made for a stiff-necked audience when the music was calling to move move move.

My boyfriend and I have been wanting to see Bela Fleck for the longest time! We are from Chicago and flew out to Seattle to see him! It was amazing! He is the so incredibly talented and the Jazz Alley provided the intimate setting which made for a perfect date night! What a perfect way to celebrate him graduating law school and passing the bar exam! This was a very special night indeed! Thanks Bela!!!! :)

Bela and the Flecktones were everything that I hoped for and more. The setting was excellent. The sound system was perfect (and I am VERY hard to please here). The service from the house staff for drinks was very good.

What a venue, what a meal and what an amazing concert.....the Siberian guys really added that unique Bela twist.

Fantastic musicians, all of them. I can't believe that the concert was not a sell-out. Perhaps it is the recession? the time of the year? Bela and the Flecktones did amazing renditions of Christmas songs --- the album should do well. BTW, drove up from Bellingham to see the show.

It's not often that your ears are treated to " fine dining", but unlike eating prime rib, I didn't get full ... and the entree never got cold :-)

Concert was a lot of fun, Richly varied program, as usual with these musicians. My only complaint: heavy over-amplication of bass in much of the program.

I have been fascinated with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones for years and finally got the chance to see them live. They did not disappoint. In fact, I can only describe this as being a witness to genius. I feel that I was given a gift of watching greatness as it happened. Wow. What musicians!

This was an amazing show. The music was so complex, so intricate--it absolutely soared. The harmonica player was incredible--I have never heard a solo like his. But all the players were incredible. Hands down, one of the best shows I have ever seen.

Exceptionally talented group of musicians. The solos will leave your jaw on the floor, while simultaneously jolting you out of your seat for a standing ovation.

Wish they had played their old work. Except for the harmonica piece by Howard, the songs were repetitive and so dischordent that you wondered how they decided it all fit together. All of these musicians are extremely talented, however, I was disappointed that their new work had changed so much. If I had known I would not have gone - as it was, we left at the intermission.

This concert was a standout because I felt pretty much transported away during each piece. It's really an engrossing experience, because you feel included and pulled in by each solo. As each person plays, the thick, rich background made by the other three (and sometimes the "other four," given that they often play melody over the top of their own accompaniment) would be enough to keep you interested. The addition of completely unexpected musical directions (as well as lots of funny/interesting/happy/sad commentaries or quotations from other songs and genres) in the solos and melodies are what make it capture your attention completely. It's not just listening to music, it's really watching, listening to, and being part of a show that tells dozens of stories, even though most of them don't have words.

Spectacular. Virtuoso performances. Loved Futureman's singing, he should do more.

I know I just saw history made. These are some of the best musicians alive today and humble. Gave us three hours of amazing music and I even learned a few tricks from Mr. Wooten!

Best and most unique use of harmonica by Howard Levy - truly amazing. Band had strong chemistry all night and enjoyed their set as much as we did. Victor Wooten on various bass guitars also had excellent solos and strong mix with Levy's piano and Fleck's Banjos. Bela Fleck played a wide range on his banjos, very musical, but in my view he decided not to be the "star," allowing the Wootens and Levy ample opportunity to display their talents.

A consummate display of musical genius. They were totally in sync with each other. Amazing!

Great concert with very talented musicians. A must see.

Howard levy gave the most amazing harmonica solo performance I've ever heard in 40 years of concerts!

Awesome show! Amazing solo's, from this eras best musicians. According to one member of the band, this is the last tour as the Flecktones.

Astounding show. The most talented musucians living. Victor Wooten(sp?) the bomb.

Great show, lots of good new material, good pacing. Really enjoyed having the acoustic grand piano, Howard Levy played it almost as much as harmonica and gave the Flecktones a new jazzier sound dimension. Nice tribute to the recently passed Earl Scruggs at the end.

Bela and the flecktones were absolutely incredible. I can't wait to see them again!

I have listened to Bela Fleck (with and without the Flecktones) for many years, but have never seen them in concert. They were very good- all very talented musicians and put on a 2.5 hour concert! And of course it was at the Ryman- a great

If you get the chance go and see these guys! You won't regret it

The music is unforgetable. No one was sitting still in their seats. Heads were bobbinb and fett were tapping through it all.

Excellent concert!! Would highly recommend to anyone of any age. I saw Victor Wooten's son and fam there so you know it's a family friendly event. Such great musicians and talent. Jeff Coffin even showed up for the last few!!

This concert was AMAZING! To those who are not familiar, this is avant-gard jazz with some of the most amazing talent in music. Howard Levy and Victor Wooten... unparalleled in their craft. I listen to all kinds of music but this will go down as one of the most mind bending, inspiring shows I've seen. BTW, if you like traditional banjo you won't be inspired UNLESS Bela does the Earl Scruggs tribute he did in Nashville. I've have never seen a banjo player with such dynamic range, with soft/sensitive interpretation of Scruggs banjo standards. That itself was worth the price of admission.

Had to be one of the most incredible performances I have ever seen! Each one of them are just bleeding with talent.

This was the best concert ever at the Ryman. A fantastic showcase for local virtuosity and an eclectic mix. The old group was in great form, and the walk-ons by the soprano sax player were frosting on the cake. These guys are so comfortable with each other and the audience. It was a love fest that went on well after 11 with most of the loyal fans hanging on until the last note. Bela played a very nice tribute to Earl Scruggs, and Victor Wooten got several chances to strut his stuff. When they're back, we'll be there!

This was my first Ryman experience, and with Bela it couldn't have been more spectacular. I was really impressed with the venue and the quality of the musicianship was second to none. The Earl Scruggs tribute was top notch.

I have been a Bela Fleck fan since he played with New Grass Revival and have continued to follow his musical journey since that time! I am NEVER disappointed in a Bela and the Flecktones show, but there was something even more special in Saturday night's show! Perhaps it is the musicianship and comraderie of the guys being rejoined on tour by one of the original Flecktones, Howard Levy. Perhaps it was because it was basically a "hometown" show for Bela, Victor Wooten and Futureman, but regardless it was MAGICAL! The Ryman was intimate enough to hear every nuance and I was happy that most of the normal crowd outbursts were kept to a minimum!

Played over three hours including a short intermission. Crowd really into it. My favorite parts of a Bela Fleck show are the songs where the band goes back and forth (i.e., showdowns) and then all come together to jam. A couple of the solo jams were a little long in the tooth, although Bela's solo tribute to Earl Scruggs (passed away a few weeks ago) was 12-13 minutes of banjo brilliance. One-song encore quickly turned into a second song, with both including Jeff Coffin (nice touch). Go see them if you can on this tour.

although I've seen the group 8 + times, this is the first time I've seen them with original line-up.. I felt I'd really miss Jeff Coffin's horns- and I did - BUT, Howard Levy was fantastic, entertaining, and a great re-addition ! I'm ready to see them again - tonight !

I have just recently discovered Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and am just amazed at what great musicians they all are. Bela plays banjo like no one else I've ever heard. Victor Wooten is hands down the best bass guitarist on the planet. Howard Levin was incredible on both piano and harmonica - excelling on both often at the same time. What can you say about Futureman Wooten on his drumitar - he was both innovative and entertaining. Casey Dreissen simply capped off the evening with his amazing and energetic fiddle. I only wish he would have been on stage more often.

This was an amazing show. There isn't a weak link In the entire group. All musicians played there instruments so effortlessly. We had seats in the 8th row left center stage and really enjoyed how energetic the group was. I Would reccommed seeing them to anyone who enjoys music.

.... an opening act??? As listed it appeared Bela was opening for him. And in the hour that he played he didn't play the first hit that I had come to hear. And in the 2+ hrs Bela played half of it was crap and the having Bruce come out on two of their numbers as a tease that well maybe he's about to take the stage and salvage this train wreck never happened as he retired from the stage after each number. The light performance was next to nothing not that it would have had a chance to redeem such a pitiful line up of songs but I had seen Steely Dann the week before that cost over twice as much but was a 10+. Bruce and Bela were the 4th worse concert I have ever seen and rate a 1.5 at best. Don;t waste your money or your time if they are coming to your town.

How can you argue with Bela Fleck and the Flecktones with Bruce Hornsby as the opening act? Chastain Park is a nice venue. It was a warm evening, but we were in the shade the whole time. Bruce Hornsby started at 7 PM promptly to start about 3.5 hours of great music. Bela played with the Noise Makers for a few songs and Bruce Hornsby joined the Flecktones for a few times and the encore.

The sun was out and the beautiful PortlandZoo garden was a sweet 75 degrees. The family friendly crowd waited in lines for two hours before the show started. Each artist in this show could do a show by themselves and be lovely & great. And so, together- unforgettable. The show opened with Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers- a solidly nice sound. The crowd loved Bruce's enthusiastic keyboarding and strong, clear, spot-on singing . Then Bela and the Flecktones took off like wizards of strings and beat. FutureMan is a smiling Buddha of rhythm. His gentle solo melted hearts. I swear, every cell in his body is counting out time in all directions- His brother, Victor Wooten, is a magician with the bass. He plays both ends of the strings- at the same time! He swirls and twirls that bass around his body while funking out bass leads - a bass sufi poem. I'm delighted that Howard Levy is back with his virtuoso Harmonica chops. It was his birthday, and we watched him blow out 60 birthday candles. Whether during his poised set at the piano or while his harmonica, plugged into the mic, vibrated our chakras- it felt like he was happy to be back with his Flecktone Family. Bela, as usual, IS the ZONE of banjo genius. He was generous with his audience and took in the delight we have for him like a happy solar panel. Infinite. The crowd called out for more, and Bela sent back sublime energy in his banjo's rolling circle of sound.

This show was excellent, a solid 2 hours of music with outstanding solos by each of the Flecktones as well as a special guest on violin during the middle hour or so of the show. It was a treat to have Howard back with the group. It was clear that Victor had quite a following in the audience. They played a good mix of music from their new CD as well as classic Flecktones. The opening act (forget its name) was fine, the sax player was especially noteworthy.

There is no doubt that Bela is a virturoso on the banjo. No one plays the instrument quite like him. This is my first occassion to see him with the Flecktones and I was not disappointed at all. Bela is not one to needs to be the in the lime light all night. He gives all the musicians with him their opportunity to shine. But the best of his band is the Bass player, Victor I think his name is. I have always admired Stanley Clark as "the Man" on the bass. But this guy in my mind is giving Stanley a run for his money. Bela a couple years ago went to Africa to experience to origins of the banjo. But I think he experienced more than that, he has gotten turned on to other types of music from different places, This time he presented us with the exotic Throat Singer from Tuva. These 4 gentlemen are truly amazing and the sounds that they are able to generate are amazing. All in all it was a wonderful night of worldly entertainment.

The musicians were all superb. Especially enjoyed the harmonica/piano player. He played a cord, did rhythm, and played a melody all at once on the harmonica. Absolutely amazing.

I m a huge Jerry Douglas fan and he was amazing as usual, but his band although fantastic did not play bluegrass. The Del McCoury Band was pure bluegrass and I loved them. The headliner, Bela Fleck and the Flecktones are musicians extraordinaire! Bela s Banjo skills are unmatched. But again not bluegrass. Excellent show, great weather, a fun evening but should have been billed as something other than a bluegrass show.

Béla Flek and the Flektones were incredible, something inherently mind blowing about four world class musicians who have played together for three decades! Chateau Ste.Michelle was a rad place to see a show, if doing GA, recommend getting there early and bringing all your picnic stuff, I saw people with little tables and multiple coolers who seemed to be doing it right!

Bela and the Flecktones continue to break all molds. They have the ability to keep everyone guessing what forms of music they will fuse together next. Each band member showed a tremendous level of talent, and Howard can play a harmonica like no other musician I have heard. They gave us one heck of a show.

Chateau Ste Michelle has been our favorite venue for over 20yrs...this is our first disappointment. The concert was titled as a Bluegrass Festival ....the Bluegrass part of it was almost nonexistent. The 1st act offered some kind of a Blues/Jazz fusion . The 2nd act offered Grand \u2018ol Oprey Country from the 1940 s, and Bela & the Flectones definitely had a signature sound...but, it wasn t Bluegrass. Great & talented instrumentalists in each band, but the advertised Bluegrass never showed up

Bela Fleck and The Flecktones are incredible musicians. They appeared to be fully engaged and enjoying performing. The sets they did with Jerry Douglas, whose band was also on the bill were fantastic. one of those concerts that exceed your expectations. Performers who you want to go back and see live again.

Three great bands that all delivered in very different ways. Jerry Douglas surprised with a lot of non-bluegrass music. Del McCoury was classic bluegrass delivered with southern charm. And Bela Fleck was a complete surprise with The Flecktones ... incredible jazz-funk banjo-led ensemble!

Great Venue, Great Wine & Great Music. It was great!

My wife and I attended the concert last Friday titled Bluegrass Classic. We have been classic bluegrass followers for many years. This concert title was a significant misrepresentation of the concert theme as advertised. We have known the headliners over their careers and respected their bluegrass music at a high level. However, the Jerry Douglas band and Bela Fleck s band did not play bluegrass; it was more like progressive, improvational jazz. Only Del McCourie and his band played classic bluegrass and it was great; but they didn t even get to play an encore! We were extremely disappointed and left early. Please, in the future, be more accurate in how the concerts are advertised.

Great musicians and great show. Most fun bass player to watch EVER, along with "Future man" playing his own invention of a guiter/percussion instrument while ALSO playing the traditional drums at the same time. Not much interaction with the audience but great music, music, music! We would definitely see Bela Fleck and the Flecktones again!

Could have put on a record at home for the same affect

We saw three different bands here and they were not all equal. The first band was just ok, not alot of bluegrass. 2nd band was amazing. Great bluegrass and tons of fun. The venue is gorgeous and spacious. 3rd band played funk most of the time. No bluegrass. We left before it was over. Pretty disappointed.

Great venue great music great weather. Food options ok.

Loved every second of this show. What an amazingly talented couple.

Wow! The talent on stage was jaw dropping. Whether playing all together, or individually showcasing their talents, this band was just amazing. I love the venue and I love the group, I couldn't give a better rating review.

the percussionist gave us all lessons . this is the third time we have seen Bella. Once with his wife Abigail Washburn and once with Chick Corea. This version was the best.

This was an amazing event. I never thought the show would end as Bela kept bringing other visiting musicians on stage. I've seen Bela perform with a symphony and now with the original Flecktones and I would recommend highly to anyone who enjoys freestyle lively music.

Good concert. They impressed me with their technical ability. Victor Wooten and the drummer are the bomb.

What an incredible experience this show was! I was blown away by such incredible, professional, fabulous amount of talent in one place. Each and every member of this outstanding band are phenomenal with their chosen instrument and have gone to true perfection. The show was never slow or boring, and the guys are so personable in what they do and how they project themselves. At the same time the level of professionalism was so high, while making every effort to give you a memorable show that you will want to see again, as well as tell others about. Great job guys!!!!!

This was just an amazing event. All four of the musicians gave amazing performances. Individually and collectively, there's no better artistic performance available.

Sitting in a cloud and stepping on the stars The group had so much talent on one stage it boggles the mind.

Unforgettable experience, Nice venue. Musicianship was unbelievable. Solos from each were 10 - 12 minutes of anticipation as to how can someone present their passion in a way that touches my soul, and each did. Equally impressive were the meshing of sounds, crafted, quality sounds that held together rhythms:Such a simple concept that, when presented masterfully, held this listener with them. Didn't know the names of any songs that were played, now I'm searching his/their discography. My boy liked Bela and mine was only a passing interest, I'm sold now. I might even follow them to the Avalon in Easton, (another nice venue, eat at the restaurants nearby for MD crabdishes) and the delfest. These guys really do understand their crafts and demonstrated that in transitioning from very funky to very bluegrass.

The original Flecktones are amazing musicians and their talents, as a group, will be missed when this tour ends. We were lucky to see them twice in one year (saw them on the first part of the tour at Wolf Trap last summer) . Their sound is brilliant and timeless.

Great concert! Great venue! More intimate setting and great sound quality.

Amazing! Incredible! Howard Levy is a premiere musician. He enhances Bela and the group and is missed, a lot, by yours truly. Highly recommend this show.

Absolutely amazing concert! Stunning musicianship and highly entertaining personalities. Seeing the original lineup with Howard Levy was a rel treat. These guys are the best of the best!

They sure gave us our money's worth. No opener band, just 3 hours with one intermission of FANTASTIC VIRTUOSITY. Everyone in the group is a KILLER GOOD musician, they are very tight, and the compositions and jams are SUPERB. ALSO, That drumitar thing Futureman invented is amazing.

It has been nearly 20 years since I last saw The 'Tones perform. Everyone was at the top of their game. Not a mystery that Bela has so many Grammy nominations. I will not be waiting another 20 years to see them again!

I was amazed. I have been a member of Howard Levy's Harmonica School for a couple of years but I've never seen him perform in person -- phenomenal! What an amazing musician as well as instructor. It was an honor to be at this concert.

These guys are some of the most gifted and innovative musicians on the planet. It is always a treat to hear such a display of virtuosity both individually and as an ensemble. However, the amplified sound, with a seeming emphasis on diarrhea inducing lowend frequencies, ruined my concert experience. Every time Victor Wooten would play a solo it was gobbled up by the din of overly present bottom end. Maybe this style of sound mixing harkens back to the disco era with its boom boom boom, and a big bottom may be part of what a rock act might like, but in this case it detracted from rather then enhanced a performance by some really great musicians.

Awesome reunion concert!!! I hope they continue to record and tour as a group!

Unbelievable synergy of four people's skills in synch. Especially Howard Levy's diatonic harmonicas giving way instantaneously to his classical jazz piano.

Bela Fleck & The Flecktones were phenomenal! There wasn't an opening act--they went straight into their set. If you love their albums, you MUST see them live. It was 2 1/2 hours of the most amazing music & watching such incredible musicians coax such unexpected sounds out of their instruments was really thrilling.

The return of Howard Levy brings back a sounds form the early Flecktone days with new twists and new energy. Evolution and purity. For new fans and die-hrds alike, this show will not disappoint!

What an incredible, unbelievable, phenominal show!! These are by the far the best musicans I have ever had the pleasure of watching!! And I've seen some awesome incredible talent in my day!. Each and everyone of them has extraordinary talents! Levy blew me away the entire night with his multi talent of playing the keys and the harp at the same time!! Making sounds and jiving with the others- wow!! Futureman! What can I say.. you have got it going on! Your drumitar is so super cool! And you also play/do more than one instrument at a time and never miss a lick! And your Bro, Victor- I've never ever never heard a bass like his, he steals the show with the way he makes his bass sound like six different instruments. All these years listening to Bella and Flecktones, my imagination had it all wrong- And Bella, is the most superior banjo player in the world, who could even imagine Banjo as a jazz insturment! You all are by far the best musicians I've ever had the pleasure to witness. It is my husband (who plays banjo) that first turned me onto this group and this was his belated Christmas present and birtday day present! He smiled all night long. The fiddle player was also incredible, I really loved him, awesome. At the end, we got to meet Bella and he was very nice! Great, wonderful night! Thank-you so so much!!

Bela and the band are great musicians and the concert was wonderful. The band played great together and there was definitely chemistry between them. Having said that, I had two issues with the band. First and foremost, the drummer. As everyone knows, the drummer is by far the most exciting musician to see perform. Whether its Keith Moon or Charlie Watts, he is usually the center of attention because he demands attention through his playing. In Bela's band, however, we were not treated to this. Instead, we saw the drummer playing a guitar-like instrument that was connected to a real drum set somewhere, using sensors coordinated with the playing of the onstage contraption. While innovative, its just not the same. The percussion sounded like it was recorded, especially since you couldn't actually see the drums being played. I felt sort of cheated. The second issue was Howard Levy. Although he is by far the best harmonica player I ever saw, and a great all-around musician, I feel he was given the spotlight and solos too often during the show. I would have rather seen Bela getting more solos. People were commenting that they felt the band's leader and frontman was Howard rather than Bela.

4 great musicians, best live stuff I've heard in a long time.

A great time as always...Victor Wooten is beyond great. The band is tight. Always impressed.

I could have done without the warmup guy but Bela Fleck and the Flecktones were brilliant. Each member of the band performed great solos.

Four musicians that are truly the best at what they do. You hear what they are playing, you see them playing the music, yet you cannot believe they are able to create the sound you hear. I was blown away!!

Unbelievably indescribable, but I'll try. Bela Fleck plays the banjo with precision and musical styles that are incredibly diverse, similar to jazz, rock, and progressive music, but then again something that is all his own. Both acoustic and electric banjos are used and the sound is truly unique. Mix that in with a jazz funk bass line that Victor Wooten lays down, add the whacked out percussion of the one and only Futureman playing the home built Synth-Axe Drummitar, then on top of that add the piano and harmonica sound of Howard Levy. Take all that, load it into a space ship, and blast off to an incredibly jammed improvisational musically explosive exploration to the outer limits. That's about as close as I can describe it with words. If you don't know Bela Fleck And The Flecktones, then you should get some Flecktones music, sit back, and prepare to have your perception of what is musically possible expanded.

Quite possibly the best live show I've ever seen. Four virtuoso musicians (five, counting the guest fiddler) on the same stage makes for an amazing performance. This was my first time seeing them after having been a long-time fan, and I can say that it will certainly not be the last! If you have an opportunity to see them in concert, I highly recommend you do not pass it up.

I've been going to concerts for over 40 years. This ranks as one of the two best I've ever seen. It's the fourth time I've seen the Flecktones and this was the best. This was the first time I got to see Howard Levy. Nothing against Jeff Coffin (I love him), but Levy was mind blowing. His piano playing was awe inspiring; his harmonica playing transcendent. Victor Wooten and Futureman have their moments of showmanship; but, the Flecktones are all about musicianship and they are musicianship personified. I loved this concert and will not forget it for quite some time.

This was the first time I saw Bela Fleck & the Flecktones. The musicianship was superb. Their songs were interesting and innovative. Their music creates the perfect opportunity to showcase the individual talents of each member of the band. This is a band that I would see again and again. I absolutely loved it!

It was so wonderful to see the musicians playing off each other, igniting the audience and truly enjoying themselves, while producing some fine sounding riffs. I had not heard Bela and the Flecktones before, what a treat this was. Saw the documentary about his trip to Africa the next day, highly recommend that, a musician with a big heart who keeps on learning. The Keswick, on the other hand, was not so pleasant, tiny seats, noisy bar in back, next time I will set in front of the sound board instead of the back section, but the seats are smaller than an airplane seat! very uncomfortable.

Bela and Flecktones were outstanding. I heard the concert in Wilmington several months ago, and their familiarity with the music did not make it stale but just more exciting. A great, great concert. However, without warning when we bought the tickets, we were inflicted with Marco Benevento for almost an hour. This was probably the worst performance I have ever heard. He sounds OK on his You Tube bit, but no more. The music was boring, distorted, and he was arrogant. How a fine venue like the Keswick and a great artist like Bela would allow this to happen is mystifying. A warm up band is fine, and I guess a few people liked what Marco put forward. But most did not. Nobody that controversial should be inflicted on an audience who didn't pay for THAT and was forced to sit through it, hoping he would end soon and we'd hear Bela. At least if they told us Bela wouldn't go on for over an hour, we could have left and gotten a drink or something.

GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They played a long set 2 plus hours.