Shakey Graves/Punch Brothers- BMO Harris Pavillion Summerfest 6/27/15

Photo courtesy of Gigshots by Stephen Bloch

Shakey Graves and the Punch Brothers treated Summerfest concert goers to an evening of alt-country

and Americana music on an albeit not-so-summery 60 degree evening overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan at the BMO Harris Pavillion.

Photo courtesy of Gigshots by Stephen Bloch

Shakey Graves, the stage name of actor turned songsmith, Alejandro Rose-Garcia, put on a riveting 75 minute set to open the evening of energetic rock music often with blues, country and southern influences.  Hailing from Austin, Texas, Shakey Graves certainly gave off a southern rock vibe with a Texas flag hanging off the stand of his keyboard.  Early on in the set, Shakey Graves encountered problems with their amplifiers and pa system.  A stalwart performer, Rose-Garcia was able to keep the crowd engaged despite technical difficulties.  The highlight of the show was Rose-Garcia inviting surprise guest Monica Martin, lead singer from Phox, to join him for a duet on "Call it Heaven," which was followed up with an impromptu and energetic rendition of the band's hit, "Dearly Departed."  Live, Rose-Gracia is quiet a proficient guitarist, alternating from quick picking Americana style to electric rock.  His energy alone made him an entertaining and engaging act.

photo courtesy of Gigshots by Stephen Bloch

The Punch Brothers followed.  The Punch Brothers are somewhat of an all-star ensamble of bluegrass musicians, featuring Chris Thile on lead vocals and mandolin.  Thile is considered one of the best mandolin players living today, and his virtuoso licks, especially on more traditional bluegrass numbers was exemplary.  Joing Thile were four other stand out musicians including, Noam Pikelny (formerly of Leftover Salmon) on banjo, Gabe Witcher on fiddle, Chirs Eldridge on guitar, and Madison native Paul Kowert on upright bass.  Kowert had lots of time to shine on stage and was pretty amazing showcasing his skills on the bass.

After the raucous foot stomping of Shakey Graves, a lot of the audience at the BMO Harris Pavillion left, leaving the Punch Brothers to play to a quarter-filled amphitheater.  That didn't stop the Punch Brothers from putting forth their best effort, but it was harder to get the crowd up and as energetic. A more intimate venue may be a better fit to showcase the talents of these outstanding musicians.  Still, it was a great evening of jams and good music.