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

Ari Hest: The Wolf Trap Interview

Ari Hest is quite possibly the best singer/songwriter on the scene today who you may not have heard of. Formerly on the Columbia Records label roster, Hest made the bold decision to take his music in a more independent direction, and it is starting to pay major dividends. In terms of song proliferation, he can be compared to Ryan Adams, Jerry Garcia or Paul McCartney, but his music has a distinction of its own, falling somewhere between Ray LaMontagne and the mid-to-late '90s college rock of Gin Blossoms and Toad the Wet Sprocket.

He's an amazing talent and couldn't be a nicer guy. To learn more about this burgeoning artist who I predict will be a massive star in five years, take a listen as he discusses his innovative 52 project, his life outside of music, and what we can expect from his new record, Sunset Over Hope Street.
Ari Hest Interview by Wolf_Trap

David Chernicoff of Chicago City Limits: The Wolf Trap Interview

Following the success of last year’s Wikiphobia program, Chicago City Limits, New York’s longest running comedy show returns to The Barns with its brand new show, America Idles. David Chernicoff and his fellow CCL improvisors turn their attention towards the 15 Minutes of Fame Generation, pulling inspiration from content surrounding Facebook, reality TV, pop star tweets, and YouTube phenomenons. Chernicoff called in before a flight from New York to D.C. to preview the troupe's upcoming pair of performances, and to assure me that he's not intimidated by the savvy, intellectual D.C. metro area audience, but rather relishes the challenge. Listen to the brief interview below and come out to the show on Thursday! Friday night is sold out.

David Chernicoff of Chicago City Limits by Wolf_Trap

Major Artist Tours in 2011

With new albums expected from some of the biggest and brightest names in the business, 2011 looks to be a big year for live music. While many artists have been reluctant to tour throughout the past 2-3 years due to steep overhead costs and stagnant ticket sales, we've already seen major tour announcements from some artists we haven't heard from in a while.

Here's a quick shortlist -

Janet Jackson is embarking on her “Janet Jackson Number Ones, Up Close and Personal Tour” where she'll hit 35 major cities performing her 35 No.1 hits.

Coheed and Cambria's 10 yr. anniversary tour where they will perform their debut album in its entirety in 23 cities.

Bright Eyes' first major tour in more than three years.

Kenny Chesney launches one of the biggest tours planned throughout 2011.

Rod Stewart and Steve Nicks Team Up!

U2 doing their thing with a massive Spring/Summer tour. Word is they have FOUR albums worth of material ready for release this year after what appeared to be a pretty productive 2010 with producer Danger Mouse.

Given pending 2011 album releases from the following artists, it's probably a safe bet that we can also expect subsequent tour announcements. Really excited for several of these.

The Foo Fighters
Fleet Foxes
The Cars
R.E.M.
The Strokes
Kanye West & Jay-Z
The Beastie Boys
Coldplay
Radiohead
Daft Punk
The White Stripes
Wilco

Wolf Trap will be coming at you with three major summer show announcements in Feb, March, and April, so keep your eyes open.

Arts-Based Resolutions for 2011

We've all made them, stuck to them, broken them, revisited them, and possibly broken them again! Regardless of how you approach New Year's resolutions, they never seem to be all that enjoyable. So for 2011, I propose that we make some fun musical resolutions. Sure maybe you're committed to dusting off the elliptical in the basement that gets no use, but as a secondary, let's set at least one performing arts related goal for the new year.

How many concerts did you attend last year? Only two-three? Make it ten this year. Nothing heals the soul quite like a captivating live show.

Been meaning to learn an instrument but just never got around to it? Make it happen. Wolf Trap actually offers piano and guitar lessons in a fun, relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Take a look.

Getting better at an instrument and honing your singing voice, but are still nervous about taking that leap to live performance? Perform at a couple open mic nights. There's a great one at Solly's U St. Tavern in D.C. at the corner of U and 11th the second Tuesday of every month. Ask for Ben Burdick when you arrive, he'll take care of you.

Been meaning to donate to an arts-based charity, but other things keep getting in the way? Wolf Trap is always a good option...as we are a nonprofit organization and rely on contributions to thrive. Also, Americans for the Arts has a strong online donation system in place.

These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about increased arts involvement for 2011. Chime in with some of your resolutions, we'd love to hear.

Peter and Graham's Picks at The Barns for 2011

It's a new year, and a new season at The Barns which means Peter Zimmerman, Wolf Trap's Director of Program and Production and I are back with our list of top picks for Spring 2011. We saw some great ticket sales surrounding our picks for the 2010 fall season, so we're hopeful you'll find this list equally as useful.

As always, if you end up going to one of these shows, post a review on Twitter including the hashtag #WTReview and you'll automatically be entered to win tickets to an upcoming show of your choosing. I'll pick the winner at random on a monthly basis. The more shows you review, the better your chance of winning! Also, after you see the show, let us know if you agree with our picks by commenting on this entry.

Enjoy the season.

Peter recommends Ari Hest with Bess Rodgers on Thursday, January 27.

Ari Hest lends his rich, supple vocals to a coffee-shop acoustic sound that is guaranteed to melt the hearts of all the ladies at The Barns. Since his songwriting beginnings in New York, Hest has strived to remain true to his art and his fans. He left Columbia Records in 2008 to embark on a project to release one song per week for a year, and then released the album Twelve Mondays in early 2009 to feature 12 fan-selected tracks from the 52-week project. Bess Rogers is a must-see folk singer with a spunky attitude who is sure to compliment Hest and his laid-back vibe. This show is featured as an Interlude Happy Hour LIVE. Come out early and enjoy drinks before the show with Club 66, Wolf Trap’s young professionals group. Find out more here.

Peter recommends My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy with Steve Solomon on Friday, February 4 + Saturday, February 5.

Steve Solomon is a master of impersonation and his hilarious one-man comedy play highlights the best of his talents. Solomon invites you to meet his highly entertaining, quirky family: Mom, Dad, Grandma Angelina, Grandpa Harry, Bubbie, Aunts, Uncle Vito, Cousins, Macho Carmine and everyone in between. He brings this wild and wacky family to life, and will leave you rolling on the floor with laughter.

Peter + Graham recommend The Greencards on Wednesday, February 9.

Any band that is on Sugar Hill Records is a winner in our book, and this band’s juice is definitely worth the squeeze. Originally from Australia, but now based in Nashville, The Greencards are led by singer/bassist Carol Young and multiple string-instrument whiz Kym Warner. Together they have produced four albums reminiscent of the currently dormant Nickel Creek, featuring dazzling mandolin work and flat-picking, and Young’s ethereal voice. This group is on the rise, (or "Hot Rize" as Sugar Hill label mate Tim O’Brien would say) steadily building a fan base via social media, and word of mouth marketing. Their new album Fascination is a bit of a creative departure from their previous efforts, comprised of songs that don’t fit the mold of their pop-bluegrass moniker. But the response has been phenomenal, and they’re ready to continue the experiment on you, The Barns audience.

Graham recommends Young Dubliners on Saturday, February 19.

Energy, energy, energy. They might completely blow the roof off of The Barns. After a last minute cancellation in 2009, we are thrilled to welcome the Young Dubliners back for an evening of rollicking, anthemic Celtic rock with a mix of politically charged and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. One of my favorite of the latter is “Rosie”, a tune about a man trying to convince a woman that marriage isn't necessary despite many years of dating. To spice up the night, they’ll be joined by Uillean pipe and pennywhistle master Eric Rigler, famed for his film work on the Titanic and Braveheart soundtracks. I conducted an interview with front man Keith Roberts in February of 2009 – check it out here for more info on this internationally renowned act. This show is featured as an Interlude Happy Hour LIVE. Come out early and enjoy drinks before the show with Club 66, Wolf Trap’s young professionals group. Find out more here.

Peter recommends The Inspector on Wednesday, April 27 (World Premiere); Friday, April 29; and Sunday, May 1.

The Inspector is a delightfully funny opera created by the GRAMMY-nominated team of Musto and Campbell that brought you Volpone, and it’s chock full of your favorite Wolf Trap Opera Company alumni. A classic case of mistaken identity, a drifter enters a small town and leads everyone to believe he’s a high-ranking government inspector, causing town officials to go to great comedic lengths to cover up their corruption. The opera features hilarious, and sometimes desperate, characters that express themselves with an appropriately uproarious libretto.