It was an unexpected night of musical healing in the DC Metro Area when The Wood Brothers performed at The Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, on November 16th, bringing none other than Lindsay Lou.

The Music Center at Strathmore offers a formal concert hall setting. Its setting promised an evening of folk-centered serenades. The scent of food and wine greeted concertgoers who wished to dine before the show.  The auditorium, with its comfortable seats and intimate layout, lent perfectly to the soulful sounds to come.  The DC Metro Area is so fortunate to have what seems, at times, a countless number of music venues.   While many eyes are focused on the multitude of venues in downtown Washington, DC, this venue plays host to so many world-class artists and performances and should not be overlooked.  (Editor Note: Please be sure to see the venue's complete calendar here)

At 7:45pm, the doors opened, and attendees settled into their seats. The stage lights dimmed at 8pm, and Lindsay Lou, in a flowing 1970s prairie folk dress entered, lit a candle before launching into a stunning rendition of Amazing Grace. Lindsay Lou stood before a packed concert hall beneath a spotlight, setting the tone for the evening - music is healing; let the music wash over us and fill our hearts with what we need.  

"I would be remiss if I had been up here and not been able to do something like that," she said. She introduced herself to the audience and expressed heartfelt gratitude for touring with The Wood Brothers. She performed a mix of originals and covers, including Nothins' Workin', written with her friend, Billy Strings from her newest album, "Queen of Time" and Nobody's Fault But Mine. Switching to the banjo, she captivated the audience with Wagoner's Lad, an old tune "about a time when women were waiting on men," she said. And it was one of many tunes that brought tears to the audience that evening.

With her banjo in hand, she continued to perform when a loud, piercing crack rang out through the venue.  Looking down with astonishment, Lindsay discovered that her banjo plug had popped out, almost as if the spirit had stopped her before moving forward.  Lindsay, a road-hardened touring artist of almost a decade, recovered gracefully by commenting how her guitar tech described guitars and other instruments as works of art but banjos were like a tractor - just slap those pieces back together and they are good to go.  After a quick repair in front of a fascinated audience, she performed Don't Go Back. Ever an entertainer, and an authentic one at that, she encouraged the audience to call out song requests – a playful tradition that would carry into The Wood Brothers set. 

Lindsay invited the audience to reflect on their ancestors while she played the emotional tribute to her grandmother, On Your Side (Starman). Lindsay wrapped out her set with the emotionally charged song, Nothing Else Matters.  

Lindsay is an artist who exudes spirituality and authenticity, invited the audience to mingle with her at her merch table during intermission.  If you have not seen Lindsay perform yet, we highly encourage you to see her and apply that healing balm of music to your soul as soon as possible.

The Wood Brothers' entrance was understated yet powerful. Without a word, they took the stage and launched into Between the Beats with a sound that filled the auditorium with electric energy. Chris Wood's upright bass anchored groovy rhythms, while Oliver Wood's soulful guitar and vocals paired seamlessly with Jano Rix's dynamic drumming. 

We wanted to take a moment to say how much of a joyous pleasure it is to see Chris's upright bass once again resonate and fill a venue.  Unbeknownst to many, this precious instrument was damaged in transit during their recent summer European Tour. That weathered instrument has been with him for 36 years with those beautiful wear marks to prove it, and we look forward to hearing it in years to come. 

The Wood Brothers' set flowed effortlessly - it was everything that anyone could hope for and more. Sometimes, you go to hear an artist perform and are in a funk - then you hear a band perform, and you realize it was everything that your soul needs. The beautiful attributes and resonating songs of The Wood Brothers was just the perfect and unexpected emotional healing balm that all of us needed.

The performance featured songs like Atlas, and Little Bit Broken, which showcased Chris Wood's harmonica skills. From the comfort of their seats, the crowd swayed in unison during One Drop of Truth, its bluesy-rock fusion reverberated through the venue.

The next song went out to the Wood brothers' father, who passed away last spring and hailed from Baltimore. Resonant lyrics, "It's a little bit sweet, it's a little bit bitter," several audience members were moved to tears–it was a deeply emotional moment.

The trio brought levity to heavier themes with upbeat tunes like Happiness Jones. "This is very civilized for a Saturday night. We feel a little under-classy, like we should've worn ties or a vest." The audience laughed. Later, while performing Alabaster, Chris Wood showcased his very fancy footwork as he shimmied across the stage with his standing bass leaning on his waist. For those who have seen The Wood Brothers perform before, we are all accustomed to Chris' joyous moments of dancing, but seeing him take up the full breadth of an orchestra pit strutting his stuff in those fancy red shoes - well, that was as much of a special treat for the audience as it must have been for him.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, we reflect back on their performance of Pilgrim.  In their illustrious catalog of music, this song is perhaps the song that sticks in your head once you hear it.  With Chris's infectious bass and Oliver's soaring voice, this song brought the audience to their feet.  As we looked around this glistening venue we could see the boxes and mezzanine shimmering with movement.  The crowd danced as though no one was watching while cathartically singing the chorus "I better slow down / Cause a soul can't / Travel that fast / Travel that fast".  Moments like those at The Strathmore are the things we can all be grateful  for.

The trio transitioned to an old-school setup, standing around a single microphone they lovingly named "Big Mike." Jano Rix even stepped away from the drums to play the melodica and guitar to join them as they played The Muse. Lindsay Lou joined them for a jazzy fireside rendition of Rock Island Line, her vocals added depth to the collaborative jam and made the moment more magical and cherished.

A memorable highlight was Postcards from Hell. "Sometimes you see some art somewhere small, or someone makes you an apple pie that knocks your dick in the dirt," said Oliver Wood. "So that's what this song is about," he added. The song resonated deeply, addressing the weight of corporate influence on creativity. From there, the band escalated to rock-heavy jam in Honey Jar, blending introspection with high energy.  To cap off a perfect performance, they ended with a timeless classic, Ophelia by The Band, bringing the entire room to its feet.  Exited the stage, the crowd roared for an encore.

Returning to the stage, a prismatic show of red and blue geometric shapes shone on the walls while Jano Rix played a solo on his melodica, taking the audience back to a different time and place–in a 1970s kaleidoscope.  The lights grew across the room as the band delivered a slow and soul-stirring version of Luckiest Man, inviting the audience to sing the final chorus in harmony.  They closed with One More Day, an exciting jam paired with Chris Wood's signature fancy footwork, dancing in the face of his brother's guitar in an almost otherworldly display of rhythm to close out the evening.

The night ended on a literal high note, leaving the audience awed and deeply moved.  For fans who had only known Lindsay Lou and The Wood Brothers through their recordings, the evening provided an epiphany: there is so much more to be felt and experienced in person.

Lindsay Lou

To learn more about The Wood Brothers, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
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• Twitter
• YouTube
• Spotify
• TIDAL
• Bandsintown

To learn more about Lindsay Lou, please see the following web resources:

• Webpage
• Facebook
• Instagram
• YouTube
• TIDAL
• Spotify