Kevin Devine w/Into It. Over It. @ Sixth & I - 2/5/15
Solo acoustic shows from artists who usually perform with bands, performing songs that they usually play with those bands, have the potential to go wrong in so many ways. First, there’s the question of whether the songs can hold up to being stripped down to their barest elements. The bass and the drums might not always be the standout features of a song, but they’re often the underlying structure holding it together. Second, there’s the question of whether the artist can hold the stage by him- or herself, without anyone else to fall back on. It takes a confident performer to be able to engage an audience alone, to be the sole focus of attention for the entire set. Finally, there’s the audience themselves. Nothing can ruin a quiet acoustic show more quickly than a rowdy or talkative audience. Yet done well, these performances can also open up the songs, bringing to the forefront the lyrics and melodies which form their heart.
Kevin Devine headlining at Sixth & I in Washington, DC (photo: Matt Condon)
Fortunately, on Wednesday night at 6th and I, all of these elements came together perfectly to create an intimate evening of music that the fans in attendance won’t soon forget. All three musicians – Kevin Devine (of Kevin Devine and the Goddamn Band) and Evan Weiss (of Into It. Over It.) co-headlining, with Laura Stevenson opening – played sets of songs from their bands, with only their own acoustic guitars to back them. The songs worked well in this form, with the sparse arrangements serving to bring to the forefront the musical and lyrical talents of the musicians who were singing them. The audience was attentive while they performed – all three artists remarked on how quiet the room was while they played – but burst into loud applause and shouts between. All three performers, on the first night of a 17-show tour, were in good spirits (with Weiss even calling it the best show he’d played in a long time) and interacted with the audience, telling stories and even answering the occasional question.
All photos by Matt Condon. Click to embiggen.
(See more photos from this show/Matt's work HERE)