Y’know the best way to end a month? With a concert (obvi).
Extra points, of course, if it’s a good concert – which the November 30th show at the Black Cat, featuring Wendell Kimbrough, Sunbears!, and Andy Zipf, proved to be. Thankfully, the venue and performers experienced none of the technical troubles that occurred last time I was there for the Active Child/M83 show. Everything went smoothly which was especially good news given the literal spectacle put on by the second band, Sunbears!
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This was one of those shows where the opener was exceptionally strong. Wendell put on a great set – he really connected with the crowd, chatting about his life in Northeast DC – and sang about things to which all of us Washingtonians can relate (the terribleness of the Snowpocalypse, the mixed characters you encounter in the different DC neighborhood-quadrants) and to which of all of us still-angsty twenty-somethings can relate (miscommunications in relationships, self-definition). Not only was his banter pleasant, but his accent (he was born and raised in Mississippi) was a treat to hear. His accompanist was also very talented, if quieter than his lead-singer.
If I had to compare Wendell Kimbrough to anyone – I’d go for a combo Simon & Garfunkel/Ryan Adams sound (I’m not sure he’d agree but that’s my best attempt!). Wendell definitely has a sound of his own, however, and some great lyrics (the best line of the night, in my opinion, was his statement that ‘the demand for kills supply’). My favorite songs were “The Longest Month” (good for any other winter-haters out there) as well as “Communication” and “The Robin’s Nest.” He’s a talented, talented guy – with a new album (Things That Can’t be Taught) out for sale. Keep it in mind for your music-loving friends looking to discover new talent.
Little Birds (album preview) by wendellk
Sunbears! took the stage after Mr. Kimbrough. First of all, points for incorporating punctuation into the band name. Second of all, MAJOR points for the all-out effort this band puts into its show! Have you seen the article in the New York Times about our ‘hipster’ generation that describes us as entrepreneurs and uses small bands as a perfect example of the tendency for us Millenials to create small businesses right and left? Sunbears! is a prime example. The band literally festooned the stage with dozens of fabric flowers and strobe lights and set up a screen behind them that featured a variety of optical treats, including dancing women (in an appropriate manner), the two band members mussing their hair in time to the music, and eye-boggling patterns and shapes. It was all very very cool. Of course, the real points come from the band’s musical talent – which they proved to have without a doubt. I especially loved “I’m Alive!” “Give Love a Try” an “All You Need is Sleep” (a motto I can personally endorse!)
Sunbears! – Give Love A Try by goldestegg
Last, Andy Zipf. Honestly, I was super tired at this point, but was so impressed with the headliner’s openers I decided to stay and see what the main man himself could do. I was glad I stayed! Zipf, like his two openers, was super personable. The first thing he did was tell the crowd to move up to the stage, saying ‘we’re in this together!’ which I loved. I loved Zipf’s sound – so subtly energetic. My favorites were definitely “Forward Motion” and “Walkin’ Beside.” Honestly, Zipf’s religious messages are a bit too prominent in his music for my personal taste, but that doesn’t stand in the way of an excellent overall sound and stage presence.
I Ain’t The Kind For Givin’ Up by Andy Zipf
All in all, a great show with three great bands. Worth checking them all out!
