Lend Me Your Layers

Sadly, tonight was probably one of the last nights suitable for a performance on the deck (at least for us thin-blooded types), so I had no intention of missing the potluck and music at the log cabin by the bamboo forest, even if it meant crossing the river.

The last such invitation had resulted in a perfect summer evening, here, ending in a thunderstorm that drowned out our applause. Tonight's show required extra layers, a fire pit and a quilt, but was no less impressive for the musical talent showcased.

We started by eating (chili, homemade pizza, artichoke squares, hot pepper pasta, deviled eggs, bread and Nutella, hummus and pita, mashed sweet potatoes, and pomelo, which we were told is meant to be shared by friends...and was) Mulled wine, hot cider and beer aided the mingling and prepared us for the outside.

The show began out back with most of us on the deck and the rest gathered in the yard just below to enjoy the crackling fire. Our hostess had made homemade marshmallows for toasting; if you knew her, this wouldn't surprise you in the least. When she serves s'mores, she also makes the graham crackers. As far as we know, she hasn't started making her own chocolate yet.

Low Branches gave another of their hushed and pretty performances, with Christina telling us it was only the second time she'd played electric guitar on stage (no one would have guessed had she not said that).

Their set ended with a Jonathan Vassar cover in tribute to his birthday tomorrow. Singer Christina called it "goofy" but the audience loved the rendition, very different from Jonathan's but just as spectacular.

Kentucky's Englishman were next and had added a drummer since I last saw them. Lead singer Andrew has a voice made for folk (sample lyric: "Sometimes I cope with absence with absinthe") and very reminiscent of 70s-era singer-songwriters. The group's harmonies were just beautiful and the addition of percussion to guitar and keys made a nice difference.

Watching the band play was enhanced by the drummer's movements which caused a nearby 5' plant's branches and flowers to move with his every stroke. It made for a lovely visual against the trail of smoke on a crisp fall night.

Their last song contained my favorite lyric, "I'm classically trained to find you in the end." (Hopeful sigh) After finishing, Andrew announced, "Let's drink...until our hosts want to go to bed!"

Driving home later was more successful than driving there; despite multiple previous visits I had gotten turned around in the dark on my way over, although I did finally get to see the river a few streets away. (Ooh, scenic! Boy, am I lost in the dark!)

I fully intended to call it a night, but driving home up Lombardy, I was enticed by the thought of Fight the Big Bull playing at Balliceaux, so I made one last stop. I haven't seen them since they'd played at Duke University with Justin Vernon (aka Bon Iver) and now that they'd played with indie royalty, I couldn't resist seeing if they looked different.

The room was packed with lots of familiar faces and it wasn't long before one of my favorite cabin cohorts showed up, too. There were the usual jazz lovers, intently bopping their heads to every note, as well as the see-and-be-seen-crowd. My favorite bartender Austin had just gotten off so we discussed the show we're both eagerly anticipating next week.

FTBB played an intense set, as usual, and I was glad I'd stopped by to hear all that brass set off so well by upright bass, drums and jazz guitar. The music couldn't have been any more different than the cabin show and that was kind of the appeal. Two very different musical experiences back to back.

Okay, Jameson, it's not a port city, but where are you going to find all that Richmond has to offer?

Take your time. You can get back with me on that.