In the heart of the nation's capital, the Black Cat transcended into a haven of sonic exploration on April 12, 2024, as Marco Benevento and his band, Karina Rykman (bass) and Chris Corsico (drums), unleashed a barn-burning extravaganza in support of their latest opus, Barn Burner: Live at Levon's. The live album, recorded over two nights in the hallowed walls of The Barn at Levon Helm Studios, served as the blueprint for an evening of musical alchemy that left no soul untouched. Before delving into the metaphysical journey curated by Benevento and company, the night opened with the spectral echoes of Ghost Funk Orchestra, setting the stage for what was to come. The nine-piece funk group got the crowd dancing early with their layered sonic tapestry of horns, belting vocals, and smooth dance moves.

As the clock struck Benevento Hour, the crowd erupted in feverish anticipation, akin to disciples awaiting communion. With a flicker of the keys, Marco and his backing duo unleashed a storm of sound, plunging the audience headfirst into the realm of "Coyote Hearing." The room pulsed with electrifying energy as each note reverberated off the walls, weaving a tapestry of sound that enraptured all who bore witness. From the pulsating rhythms of "Dropkick" to the cosmic voyage of "Send It On A Rocket," Benevento guided his audience through a kaleidoscopic odyssey of sonic landscapes filled with keyboards, synths, and psychedelic effects pedals. Karina Rykman's basslines served as the tether, grounding the ethereal melodies in a primal groove, while Chris Corsico's percussive onslaught propelled the music to transcendent heights.

The barn-burning fervor reached its zenith with a blistering rendition of "Atari," igniting a frenzy of ecstatic dance among the faithful congregation. As the set continued with "Bus Ride," Greenpoint," and "Heartbeats," Benevento's fingers danced across the keys with the fervor of a shaman summoning spirits from the ether while Rykman and Corsico forged a rhythmic foundation that shook the very foundation of the Black Cat. 

The night's musical adventure continued with members of Ghost Funk Orchestra joining the stage for a trio of tunes, starting with "Hit Or Miss" and then "Humanz." Amidst the melodic cacophony, Benevento and company paused to pay homage to the legends who paved the way, offering a soul-stirring rendition of The Band's "The Shape I'm In." It was a moment of reverence, a nod to the musical lineage that permeated the air of The Barn at Levon Helm Studios and now reverberated through the halls of the Black Cat.

As the night drew to a close, Benevento unleashed one final sonic assault with "Limbs Of A Pine," leaving the audience breathless and exhilarated, yearning for just one more taste of the euphoric euphony that had enveloped them. In the aftermath of Marco Benevento's sonic sermon, the Black Cat stood as a temple of musical transcendence; its walls imbued with the echoes of a performance that transcended mere notes and chords. It was a testament to the boundless power of music to transport, transform, and ultimately unite all who dare to listen. Catch Marco down the road with Joe Russo’s Almost Dead at Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD, or see one of his remaining solo tour dates here.

Barn Burner: Live at Levon's

Recorded in his adopted hometown of Woodstock, NY, Marco Benevento and his band, Karina Rykman and Chris Corsico, deliver a transcendent experience with Barn Burner: Live at Levon's. Taped over two electric nights at Levon Helm Studios, this double album captures the essence of Benevento's live prowess and improvisational creativity. From the ethereal melodies of "Coyote Hearing" to the pulsating rhythms of "At The Show," each of the 13 tracks pulsate with raw energy and unbridled passion, showcasing the band's genre-blurring vision and fearless improvisation. 

With special guest Scott Metzger on guitar, Benevento fearlessly reimagines classics like Bob Dylan & The Band's "This Wheels On Fire," infusing them with new life and vitality.  Barn Burner is a sonic pilgrimage not to be missed, offering listeners an immersive journey into the boundless expanse of musical exploration. Click below to stream Barn Burner and Marco’s other music.