Delighting In The Fray With The Infamous Stringdusters At The Anthem

The Infamous Stringdusters were back in town and DC couldn't have been happier to see them again. Each February, The Anthem roars with bluegrass delight for the highly anticipated bluegrass event that takes place in the country's biggest indoor concert venue. Shortly after taking to the stage on Friday night, The Dusters were quick to mention that touring during these times is a bit of a challenge. This weekend is always eagerly anticipated, and to some, it might feel like just another stop on a tour schedule. However, The Dusters quickly mentioned their challenges and how happy they were to be at The Anthem. Looking around the packed venue, it was a happy reminder that situational challenges could be overcome by the passionate love of music when combined adequately with superb health protocols. As a result, bluegrass lovers enthusiastically packed this cavernous venue for two nights as we happily embraced the opportunity to see The Infamous Stringdusters alongside their touring companions and friends Greensky Bluegrass. 

There are few bluegrass bands that possess the dynamic and powerful stage presence that the Dusters have. Adding to their already formidable performance was the equally incredible light show that The Anthem delivers. Each night was filled with flaming hot banjo solos, a harmonica breakdown, frenetic fingerpicking, ferocious fiddle playing, and spectacular sounds emanating out of that bright blue dobro! Each night had a distinct personality and feel as the band blended songs from their existing catalog, savage cover songs, and songs from their forthcoming album Toward The Fray.

The Dusters do what The Dusters do best - pour every ounce of energy out on the stage for us all to enjoy.  On many nights The Infamous Stringdusters are headlining a bill - tonight, they used their glowing energy as red hot kindling setting the stage for Greensky's headlining set. Greensky found the perfect kindling to properly stoke a roaring fire for themselves and fellow Campers who wanted to spend a cold February inside the biggest indoor Greensky Camp in the country.

Over the two sets, they paid tribute to the Grateful Dead, had us grooving hard to ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man", and wrapped up their two-night run with their well-known cover of Phish's "Possum." One highlight that we must point out is that on Friday night the band performed a roaring version of Buddy Holly's "Not Fade Away" and segued into Avicii's "Wake Me Up."  Without hesitation we ask "Who the hell can perform these two songs in the same concert, so seamlessly, and so powerfully?"  The one and only Infamous Stringdusters is the only answer that comes to mind - a combination that is seemingly unthinkable and yet inconceivably glorious to behold.  The Infamous Stringdusters truly excited fans with new soon-to-be hits like "Hard Line" and "I Didn't Know," which captivated the audience.  Before new songs, The Dusters took a moment to talk about the song and share the lyrics that explain what the last two years have been like for them and many of us.

Thanking the audience, the city and their tour mates, they promised to see us all real soon. To borrow lyrics from "Hard Line" - "Tell Me What You're Thinkin / What is On Your Mind" - we can tell you what is collectively on our minds. We can only hope that The Infamous Stringdusters return to the region soon and perhaps perform at B-Chord Brewery this summer just as they did last year.

A special thanks to The Infamous Stringdusters' Lighting Director Jason Gutworth who lit up the venue all weekend long in spectacular fashion!

Tell Me What You're Thinking Update

Looks like The Infamous Stringdusters had the same thing on their mind - A three-night run has been announced at B-Chord Brewing in Round Hill, VA!  Two Sets Each Night with special guests.  Tickets are available now. Click to purchase and for more details.