This past Saturday night The Fire held their Christmas show – A Very Fire Christmas.  On the bill that night was The Barren Wells, The Matt Helm Scream, Manatawny Creek Ramblers, Brad Hinton Band, and Jesse Lundy Band.

The show began with a set by The Barren Wells, a band that I think I’ve seen at least once before.  But that’s neither here nor there, because their performance Saturday night alone was enough for me to realize I better take more notice of The Barren Wells.  It was a great set and I got a free sample CD from The Barren Wells that I’m sure I’ll be telling everyone about later.

It’s been awhile but I finally got to see The Matt Helm Scream again and they delivered a spot-on performance.  The music sounded great, the band was tight, and my ears were smiling.  Phil D’Agostino’s impromptu solo bass rendition of “The Christmas Song” was NICE!  So, if you ever get the chance you should definitely check out The Matt Helm Scream.

 Manatawny Creek Ramblers opened their set with their version of “Run Rudolph Run”.  They play with the intent of delivering a real bluegrass experience and that they did.  For most of Manatawny Creek Ramblers’ set I thought they were an ok band but then I heard them perform “Manatawny” (I think that’s the title) and it was a powerful moment because everything made sense then.  Wow, “Manatawny” is a beautiful haunting and a song that I really need to own.  To sum it all up, Manatawny Creek Ramblers was great Saturday night and that’s my new favorite band.

I’ve never seen a Brad Hinton Band performance that I didn’t like and Saturday night was no different.  Brad Hinton band gave another solid performance and I enjoyed their cover of “Feliz Navidad”.  Great set!

The show closed with a set by Jesse Lundy Band (a new version of a band with Jesse Lundy and an ever-changing collection of band members).  It was a loose set with covers, another performance of “Run Rudolph Run”, Paul Keen’s electric stage energy, featuring a song by Kevin Bentley, and Jesse Lundy’s impressive guitar skills.  I hope I get to see Jesse Lundy Band again because that was a fun set of music.

Yes, another great night of music that I was glad to be a part of.

Related posts:

1. Live Review: Illinois, Juston Stens & The Get Real Gang, City Rain, Former Belle, DRGN KING at The Fire (5/26)
2. Live Review: Cliff Hills CD Release Party at World Cafe Live w/ Modern Inventors (8/1/12)
3. Live Review: Foxhound, Toy Soldiers, Up The Chain, Reverend TJ McGlinchey at Milkboy Coffee (6/30)