The Avett Brothers and Sammy Rae & The Friends at Kemba Live! in Columbus, OH
Photos & words courtesy of Harry Acosta — Website | Instagram | Facebook
On August 20, 2024, in Columbus’ Kemba Live!, The Avett Brothers and Sammy Rae & The Friends came together to showcase an exceptional blend of genres and performers.
While the sun was still lighting the stage, Sammy Rae & The Friends opened the evening with a genre-defying ensemble. Their live performance has a much stronger jam band influence than their studio performance. Sammy Rae, with her playful persona created an energy that engaged the audience whether they were previously fans or just hearing them for the first time.
Her stage presence was complemented by the band’s tight rhythms, intricate arrangements, and spirited ensemble. Fusing elements of soul, jazz, pop, and rock, each of the seven “Friends” were afforded their own solo set. Their show was marked by a vibrant synergy, with each member contributing to the rich, layered sound. The brass section, in particular, added a bold punch while the rhythm section solidified the foundation that kept the energy high.
As the sun set, The Avett Brothers took the stage, bringing their signature indie-rock style to the forefront. Sammy Rae & The Friends brought a fresh, genre-blending approach while The Avett Brothers provided a reflective and emotionally resonant counterpoint.
They are known for their earnest, heartfelt performances that can bring fans to tears. Their set was a journey through their extensive discography, featuring both fan favorites and new material from their eponymous album released in May. Songs like “I and Love and You” and “Ain’t No Man” were delivered with a sincerity that highlighted the emotional depth of their songwriting.
The Avett Brothers’ performance was marked by their blend of acoustic and vocal harmonies. Scott and Seth Avett’s engaging storytelling, created a poignant and immersive experience. The band’s ability to transition from introspective ballads to upbeat anthems kept the audience engrossed as they sang along.
The weather allowed for Kemba Live! to serve as the perfect venue to once again host the Avett Brothers in Columbus. It provided an excellent acoustical environment and an intimate setting that allowed both bands to shine. The transition from Sammy Rae & The Friends to The Avett Brothers reflected the versatility of the evening’s lineup. On stage, Sammy Rae and the Friends work to bring harmony to people in hopes of creating new bonds and friendships. While Seth and Scott Avett have, over time, portrayed upright bassist and friend, Bob Crawford (and more recently cellist, Joe Kwon) as members of their family. Both bands interacted warmly to the audience and invited them to be part of the performance from the crowd. Whether by design or by chance, the evening’s performers showed the possibilities of making new friends and strengthening existing relationships. It was an evening that underscored the richness of live music and the power of performance to connect and inspire.
Harry Acosta is a professional photographer who started out shooting concerts. He is an avid concertgoer and loves to capture his favorite musicians and unseen moments we take for granted in everyday life.
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