Last night in Knoxville, TN, a late arriving crowd packed out The Bijou Theatre for The Hard Working Americans. This super group is made up of singer Todd Snider, bassist Dave Schools from Widespread Panic and Micky Hart Band, Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood and The Cardinals (Ryan Adams backing band) on guitar and vocals, Duane Trucks on drums and Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi on keys. Fronted by the consummate storyteller Todd Snider, the show was both vocally impressive and hysterical. All of these musicians have visited Knoxville in other capacities over the years, though this was a first for HWA. “As individuals, we’ve all come here in different bands. Sometimes I come all by myself and mostly talk. The thing is, I was running out of things to say, so I joined this band. They take a lot of acid, and now, so do I, so when I come back I’ll have lots of stories about that. (Snider)”
As the set progressed, Snider grew more and more comfortable with the crowd, offering a rare experience for the audience following the show, promising ” a good ole fashioned titty signing. They’re really common where we’re from.” I went to get mine Hancocked, but apparently I had the wrong location.
Last night was also Dave Schools’ 50th birthday. In true DAS form, with a knowing grin he told us, “you only turn 50 once.” Following this statement, during Guaranteed, the first song of the encore, Schools turned his bass upside down and continuously banged the head on the stage. The result was a loud reverberation that both deepened the low end and added a resonation that made filled out the song’s complexity. This also set up the guy in front of me to begin his one man, wild leaping contest. He completely destroyed his competition.
The crowd danced freely moving around the venue, adding a boisterous party atmosphere to the already raucous, foot stomping show. Smiling faces abounded both on stage and throughout the audience. Going into this show, I had no expectations, and I was blown away. This is a must see show. Travel wherever they are playing, and bring your dancing shoes.
For a full stream of the show: Hard Working Americans Knoxville (Thanks Danny Kopp)
Set List from @hwamericans Instagram:
https://instagram.com/p/whg5XDvL9g/
