The Wood Brothers Brought Their Americana Warmth To The 9:30 Club

There is an expression in my family about warm and tender moments that would best describe an evening with The Wood Brothers and David Wax Museum at the 9:30 Club. "How was the evening at the 9:30 Club? - It was like warm bread." Then insert the visual of your grandmother placing each thumb to her forefinger in a way that can only express the utter joy and warmth of describing the evening.

On January 26th, The Wood Brothers and David Wax Museum basked in live music glory at the 9:30 Club to a near-capacity crowd as blissful Americana and Mexo-Americana would resonate through this beloved venue.

The original supporting act, Steve Poltz, would not perform because he was still recovering from a recent bout with the Coronavirus. In his place, David Wax Museum received a last-minute call-up and headed straightaway for Washington, DC. The call-up was an easy, obvious, and exceptional choice. Based in Charlottesville, Virginia, David Wax Museum are an eclectic, exuberant, and captivating indie-folk band composed of husband-wife duo David Wax and Suz Slezak. For those who never saw David Wax Museum, this performance would leave a lasting impression that revealed a true hidden gem of the DVM. David Wax museum delighted the audience with some playful banter and a diverse setlist that included energetic Mexo-Americana and a self-described lovey-dovey song "If I Had the World to Give" by The Grateful Dead. Before leaving the stage, David Wax told the audience that they would build a "9:31 Club" in their backyard in Charlottesville, Virginia. We know many will journey south to see them perform in their hometown based on their performance.

The last time the 9:30 Club saw The Wood Brothers was a little over three years ago (January 18th, 2019). Although a lot has happened in those three years, including a new album Kingdom In My Mind and a drive-in appearance at The Frederick County Fairgrounds last summer, this evening's performance felt like a continuation of a family gathering held just a few days ago. Oliver Wood noted how much time had passed and told the audience how much the band truly loved the 9:30 Club and wondered why it took them so long to return. Based on the crowd's response, it was apparent that fans in Washington DC love The Wood Brothers just as much as the band loves us. Oliver Wood would talk about being delighted that a passionate crowd nearly filled the venue for a random mid-week show. In addition, the audience delighted in hearing songs off their latest album performed live including, "Alabaster," "Cry Over Nothing," "Don't Think About My Death," "Little Bit Sweet," and "Little Blue."

For nearly two hours, the venue basked in the music of The Wood Brothers as we gleefully danced and swayed to the full breadth of their songs. Chris Wood was especially animated as he danced with glee beside his double bass as if no one was watching - in fact, we were all watching and took delight at the joy spilling over on the stage. Oliver Wood's distinct guitar and a chocolate-tongued voice echoed brightly through the venue. Finally, we must not forget Jano Rix, the multi-instrumental percussionist who brings his unique talents to the band. It is always a great delight when Rix steps out from his drum kit to perform on his melodica and shuitar or joins the band as they sing together in front of their vintage microphone. The Wood Brothers' told us that not only tell us that it was alright to be a "Little Bit Broken," how we miss those "Lovin' Arms" but also how we can aspire to be a bit happier like "Happiness Jones."

We sincerely hope not to wait another three years to see The Wood Brothers at the 9:30 Club. We have confidence that the memories of tonight's incredible performance will bring them back again soon. Lastly, we promise that if they bring their joyous music and "warm bread" feelings, the venue will provide more of the cherished cupcakes that Oliver Wood spoke so affectionately of.