Rising Appalachia
Showbox, Seattle, WA
11.10.16
For the past 12 years, sisters Leah and Chloe of Rising Appalachia have been touring the world and refining their brand of music – a wonderful combination of bluegrass, folk, reggae, world, and cajun sounds – under the collective idea of connection and togetherness. The duo came to The Showbox in Seattle from Canada for the beginning of their “Resiliency Tour” two days after national election for the ages. Little did they know that the theme of resiliency would be such a fitting moniker for their upcoming trip through the U.S.
Opening the night was the bright smiling, soul folk singer Dustin Thomas. “I’m drinking apple juice, or apple Jameson,” he explained to the crowd. Thomas’ voice was tender and powerful, which washed his emotions over the crowd with ease. On his Facebook page, he lists his hometown as “Stars” and he embodied that adventurous spirit throughout his performance, especially during his cover of “Hallelujah,” a tribute to the recently passed Leonard Cohen.
The stage was set with so many instruments for the ladies of Rising Appalachia and as they stepped on stage, Leah grabbed a hand-drum and Chloe casually walked up to the mic. After a brief statement about the state of affairs in America, they went into “Invitation,” speaking to the crowd and declaring a call to action. Activism is in the blood of the band as they support causes such as The Slow Music Movement and Permaculture Action Network. With songs like “Spirits Cradle,” they spoke about a broken prison/justice system and with “Medicine,” called to support holistic and herbal based healers.
Their band was such a great compliment to the engaging sisters. Biko Casini was a force on the djembe and other percussive instruments. David Brown seemed to have a smile on his face throughout the entire set. He provided solid rhythm on the guitar and double bass.
The set was a wonderful variety of songs on a variety of subjects set to various beats. The moments of the night that really resonated were “St. James,” their tribute to the resilient city of New Orleans, where they spent 7 years at the beginning of their career. In addition, “Wider Circles” was a song rich with classic bluegrass and folk sounds mixed with world music that delivered a message of connection. The banjo and djembe meshed so well together.
It may be a turbulent time and the future contains some unknowns, however, the power of music bringing people together is a constant that we can count on. It was exactly what Rising Appalachia did on this rainy night.
Check out SMN’s interview with Rising Appalachia here.
Review and photos by Phillip Johnson
Rising Appalachia
Dustin Thomas
