Billy Strings at CFG Bank Arena, Baltimore, MD – October 31 & November 1, 2024
Reviewed by Harry Kaplan
To say this two-night run in Baltimore was great is an understatement. These are the types concerts I would read about in New York or Los Angeles and wish I could attend just one star studded extravaganza. Well, it happened right here in Baltimore. Billy Strings, the band, and all of the special guests made this one of the best concert experiences for me in a long time. Billy and company put on a spellbinding performance at CFG Bank Arena on Halloween night and the night after. The shows were not just concerts; they were theatrical journeys through sound and storytelling. Halloween night was extra special as it was an “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” theme.
The shows were part bluegrass, part blues, and part rock and roll. Billy went electric both nights on select songs. It opened the possibility that anything is possible. Not just possible, but foreshadowing the future of the Billy Strings band. Some of the names of artists that started out in bluegrass and moved to electric music include Jerry Garcia, Marty Stuart, Ricky Scaggs, and Vince Gill. I’m sure there are others but those are the first four that came to mind.
October 31, 2024
This was a memorable event themed around the Coen brothers’ film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” titled “O Billy, Where Art Thou?” and was a theatrical stage adaptation featuring numerous special guests and props, adding to the immersive experience.
This show was particularly notable for its full commitment to the theme, with 12 songs from the film performed alongside a staggering 11 special guests. The lineup included performances by T Bone Burnett, Chris Thomas King, Jerry Douglas, Sierra Hull, Duane Trucks, Lindsay Lou, Rachael Davis, Chris Jacobs, Tim Blake Nelson, et. al. Highlights included a hair-raising acapella “Richard Petty,” and covers like “Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues”, “You Are My Sunshine”, and a rocking version of “Take The Money And Run.” The setlist was designed to echo the soundtrack of the movie, blending folklore, humor, bluegrass, and theater.
Tim Blake Nelson, who starred in the film, joined the ensemble, enhancing the authenticity of the theme. The use of props, scenes, and even an aerial dancer contributed to the storytelling aspect of the performance.
November 1, 2024
This concert continued the high energy from the previous night but shifted focus slightly towards Billy Strings’ own catalog, interspersed with unique covers and collaborations. The setlist included “Leaning on a Travelin’ Song,” “In the Clear,” and “Escanaba.” A notable feature of this show was the live debut of “MORBUD4ME,” where Billy played his bong into a looping sampler, showcasing his experimental side.
The concert featured several special guests, enhancing the musical diversity and richness. Collaborations included Duane Trucks on drums, Chris Jacobs on twelve-string guitar, Nat Smith on cello, and Jerry Douglas on dobro, adding depth to the performance. Additionally, vocalists Sierra Hull, Lindsay Lou, and Rachael Davis contributed to backing vocals, making the sound fuller and more dynamic. The inclusion of Vince Herman for a cover of Blind Willie Johnson’s “Dark Was the Night, Cold Was the Ground” took the audience back to the early 1930s.
The audience was treated to a blend of traditional bluegrass with modern and non traditional elements, ensuring an interactive and lively atmosphere. The improvisational jams, while a staple of Billy Strings’ performances, were noted for their creativity, with each musician stepping forward for solos that added excitement to the concert.
The CFG Bank Arena provided the setting for this concert, which, despite being a large venue, managed to capture the intimate feel of bluegrass music through excellent sound engineering. The acoustics allowed for every note to be heard clearly, from the softest plucks of the banjo to the robust strums of the guitar.
In summary, Billy Strings didn’t just play concerts; he created an experience. The thematic cohesion with the setlist, the guest musicians, and the sheer talent on display made these Halloween shows two for the history books.