Ari Hest Live: The Wolf Trap Review

I think it's safe to say that Ari Hest has a soft spot in his heart for Wolf Trap, and (fingers crossed) he'll be performing here for years to come. This is somewhat, but not solely based on the fact that after just one song, he professed that Wolf Trap is his favorite venue. And I believe him. But maybe I'm a sucker for what otherwise could be some excellent audience bonding skills.

Either way, I've said it before and I'll say it again, I can't believe that this guy is a not a bigger deal. He's been without the support of a major label for some time now, and he seems content with releasing indie album after indie album of wonderful material that never really seems to gain any traction. Maybe he's fine with following this trend throughout his career and playing small clubs and theaters like The Barns (which his loyal fan base would LOVE), but inevitably, his music is going to hit a national audience and he's going to find himself in a Bright Eyes or Tallest Man on Earth situation where he becomes an overnight sensation. Then, hello Coachella, Bonnarroo and Austin City Limits. I really don't see any way around it.

His set on Thursday night at The Barns was mostly rife with his more down-tempo numbers, with the exception of a select few like "I'll be There to Make You Miserable," off his most recent album, Twelve Mondays, but that makes sense in a venue like The Barns. A relaxed, mellow tone was the mood he set from song number one, and to the delight of everyone in the audience, he didn't stray very far from that precedent. He simply transfixed the 200+ crowd with beautifully arranged finger-style folk-rock and his signature lyrical content that deals mostly with waiting for that dare-to-be-great scenario in life. The evening's package also featured one of the more unusual yet innovative percussion displays in recent memory, one that complimented Ari's set in the best way possible. Only time will tell if he returns to The Barns, or if his inevitable fame snatches him away.

Setlist:

Reason
Erica
The Weight
Sunset Over Hope St
How would
Until next
Swan song
Trouble
One two
Morning streets
Business of America
Ride the brake
I'll be there
Cranberry Lake
Dead End

When and if
Bird never flies
Something to look forward to