Greensky Bluegrass rolls into New York for an unforgettable night

Bluegrass heavyweights Greensky Bluegrass rolled into the Stanley Theater in Utica, NY on Sunday January 15th for the fourth stop on their winter tour.  I was able to catch the show and starting with opener Mikaela Davis it was truly an impressive night of music.  

Mikaela Davis started the night off taking the stage with her band to play old songs as well as some new unreleased tracks. Davis is a gifted harpist, her playing both technically proficient and emotionally engaging. She imbues each note with a sense of passion and soul and has an innate ability to connect with her audience and transport them to another place. Her live performances are truly a treat for the ears and the heart. I really enjoyed her new songs and highly recommend checking out her music.

Greensky Bluegrass next took the stage to put on an unforgettable performance. 

The band’s bluegrass sound was elevated by their exceptional musicianship and tight ensemble playing.

The Stanley Theater’s acoustics were the perfect setting for the band’s intricate instrumentals, making for an immersive and intimate concert experience. The crowd was on its feet throughout the show, dancing and singing along to the band’s catchy original songs and clever covers.

The band’s chemistry was evident as they seamlessly transitioned between fast-paced bluegrass numbers and slower, more contemplative songs. The band’s lead vocalist and banjo player, Michael Arlen Bont, had a commanding stage presence and his solos were nothing short of impressive. The rest of the band, including Anders Beck on dobro, Dave Bruzza on guitar, Paul Hoffman on mandolin, and Mike Devol on upright bass, all shone in their own right and their playing was tight and polished.  The crowd was fully engaged, singing along to the band’s hit songs and cheering wildly between numbers. Each member of the band seemed to be having a great time and their chemistry was palpable, which only added to the overall enjoyment of the concert.

Overall, it was a truly impressive show at the Stanley Theater.

The band’s energy, musicianship, and stage presence were all top-notch, and they had the crowd in the palm of their hand from start to finish.

It was a night to remember for all in attendance and I strongly recommend catching their tour as it rolls on.

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