{"id":127287,"date":"2023-11-27T10:00:10","date_gmt":"2023-11-27T15:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dcmusicreview.com\/staging\/?p=127287"},"modified":"2023-11-23T10:56:34","modified_gmt":"2023-11-23T15:56:34","slug":"the-paper-kites-leave-crowd-soaring-after-unforgettable-howard-theatre-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dcmusicreview.com\/staging\/the-paper-kites-leave-crowd-soaring-after-unforgettable-howard-theatre-performance\/","title":{"rendered":"The Paper Kites Leave Crowd Soaring After Unforgettable Howard Theatre Performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s impossible to attend a show at the Howard Theatre<\/strong> without taking note of its grandeur. Towering balconies and cushy booths create an orbicular effect that feels both communal and private; each corner of the historic building a sandpit of inescapable intimacy. And I can\u2019t think of more appropriate music to fill the space than that of The Paper Kites<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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The night began with The Cactus Blossoms<\/strong>, who didn’t need to command attention when they stepped into the already packed house. The brothers quickly lured in stragglers and effortlessly persuaded bar patrons to turn. Nostalgia clouded the room; their aching Everly Brothers<\/strong>-esque vocals laid a wistful foundation for the main act.<\/p>\n

Before a full Paper Kites ensemble emerged, lead singer Sam Bentley <\/strong>appeared. Legs casually draped off a stool, mirroring the elaborate curtains behind him. He eased into \u201cBetween the Houses\u201d and set a familiarly meditative tone for the evening. Before long the lights swelled into a golden glow, revealing the remaining Kites: Christina Lacy<\/strong>, Sam Rasmussen<\/strong>, David Powys<\/strong>, and Josh Bentley<\/strong>. Joined by supporting artists Chris Panousaki<\/strong>s, Hannah Cameron<\/strong>, and Matt Dixon<\/strong>, the impressive eight-piece pulsed into \u201cTill the Flame Turns Blue\u201d then “Hurts So Good.”<\/p>\n

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Once the soothing chords faded, Bentley took a minute to chat. He fondly referred to the prior year’s show as if we were all in attendance. I’m sure most were, because the congregation nods knowingly as if it were an annual reunion of close friends. Bentley wittingly pointed out a sign in the front row that insisted on hearing \u201cNothing More Than That\u201d and obliged much to the delight of the crowd. I checked my setlist, read the same title, and chuckled at the guise. Admittedly, I was just as thrilled to hear it.<\/p>\n

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We slid into a cascade of fan favorites, each holding a unique meaning to all. Bentley’s amicable banter softened the longing emanating from the soft string of songs. There’s a simplicity in the trail as if they were just passing thoughts, a quick note you write when you feel the twinge of regret. “Marietta” pushed into “Tenenbaum,” then “Burn The Night Away.”<\/p>\n

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As if the set needed to become more soulful, Bentley and Lacy made their way to centerstage. A suddenly dim room with just a spotlight, the two slipped into \u201cFor All You Give\u201d while sweethearts sank a little deeper into each other. We breathed the lingering chords of the near-accapellic number while Bentley began picking cheerfully; a septet converged around a single condenser mic. Honey-like harmonies enveloped the room just as tightly.<\/p>\n

Sensing that the heavier \u201cJune\u2019s Stolen Car\u201d would be too intense after the an incident with a concertgoer, the band materialized with the softer \u201cWithout Your Love\u201d before replaying the unfinished song. The crew then barreled into \u201cBlack & Thunder” where David Powys burrowed into a guitar solo that was somehow as soothing as it was electrifying.<\/p>\n

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Much to the crowd\u2019s delight, a soulful rendition of Adrianne Lenker\u2019s<\/strong> \u201canything\u201d added a complimentary deviation that eased seamlessly into the original quintet converging centerstage. The rhythmic strumming of \u201cPaint\u201d evoked cheers before swiftly halting any lingering claps into a collective silence. We all settled into the soft tones as the lyrics washed over us; \u201cI need a love just like you gave, I haven\u2019t found it yet, found it yet\u201d wavering the line of woe and want, hurt and hope. The theme persists through the final number, \u201cDarkness at My Door.\u201d Upon the last choir-like note of \u201cwon\u2019t you shine, shine, down a little light, Lord? On the darkness at my door\u201d the room erupted in a standing ovation that wouldn\u2019t dissolve til The Paper Kites returned to the stage for their communal encore.<\/p>\n

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Before lilting into \u201cBy My Side,\u201d a ballad of abiding love, Bentley falls into his familiar banter, but this time invites the audience to join in the chorus like we weren\u2019t going to sing along anyway. No one needs an explanation, a practice round, or even to be told the song; we\u2019ve been waiting all night. A collective chorus reciprocates the title as Bentley sings, \u201cit\u2019s where I want to be, the only place, forevermore.\u201d Sam Jarousek’s stage lights echoed the intensity of the upbeat “Electric Indigo” by sending deep blue streams into the crowd to accompany his intricate ceiling visuals. When their final number subsided, the full house flared with delight. The musicians graciously bowed, waved, and even gave a thumbs up or two. “See you next year: same time, same place” was reciprocated in applause. <\/p>\n

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No one was rushed to leave; friends lingered before seeing break down as a cue to head out. Outside, long after the show ended, band members happily chatted with fans. No irritation or inconvenience; they seemed truly grateful to have such devoted supporters, and I thought about how perfect that image represented what the night was all about: conversation. The Paper Kites didn’t just share their music with us; they invited us into a conversation that will surely continue.<\/p>\n

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Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Photo Gallery<\/strong><\/p>\n

Enjoy photos by our photographer Liz Pappas<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Paper Kites<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span><\/p>\n

The Cactus Blossoms<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span>\"\"<\/span> <\/p>\n

Listen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Listen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Listen<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have you tried TIDAL<\/a> yet?  They have some of the best streaming sound out there with multiple subscription plans including a free version<\/span><\/strong> in addition to HiDef, Family, and Student packages.  Click here for more Information<\/a> about available packages.<\/p>\n

The Paper Kites<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Cactus Blossoms<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

Additional Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Additional Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Additional<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Resources<\/strong><\/h3>\n

To learn more about The Paper Kites<\/strong>, please see the following web resources:<\/p>\n