
BY DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
I could always throw stuff, starting with tantrums. – Breaux Greer
What a perfect evening for an outdoor show. Temperature in the 70s and just the right amount of cloud coverage. This was my third show at Stir Cove in as many days, and it may have been my favorite. Three exceptional performances, one as good as the other.
Devon Gilfillian, based out of Nashville, brought with him an incredible soul sound that transported us back to the 70s. He is such a fan of that style that he, according to his website, re-recorded Marvin Gaye’s iconic album, What’s Going On, releasing it in fall of 2020 around the election. The project raised funds for low-income communities and communities of color, providing resources and education around the democratic process. Throughout the show, Gilfillian displayed his guitar talents and his outgoing personality connected with the audience. A huge thanks to Fitz for bringing Devon on tour.
If I had only one word to describe St. Paul and the Broken Bones, it would be fierce. It was clear from the start that this was not going to be just any other musical performance. This was going to be a Birmingham, Alabama Baptist style sermon. When Paul Janeway sang, he became a preacher and the crowd instinctively raised their arms and swayed. Paul’s vocals are just as powerful whether he is belting at full tilt, or singing softly. Speaking of powerful, I cannot say enough about the other seven members of the ensemble. They put out a big band sound that entirely filled the outdoor venue. Everybody got a kick out of Janeway however, as he would climb down from the stage, microphone in hand and walk through the crowd as he continued to sing. He even went up into the outdoor balcony areas as well as the indoor bar. When it was done about an hour and a half later, the crowd erupted with gratitude and the venue buzzed even after the stage was empty.
SET LIST
ATLAS – 3000 AD MASS – THE LAST DANCE – GIT IT BAD – MINOTAUR – SANCTIFY – WALK MONSTER – WAVES – MAGNOLIA TREES – HALF THE CITY – FLOW WITH IT – APOLLO – BURNING ROME – CALL ME
Warning!!! If you ever go see Fitz and the Tantrums, remember to bring your dancing shoes. The band is Michael Fitzpatrick – lead vocals and keyboards, Noelle Scaggs – co-lead vocals and percussion, James King – saxophones, flute, harmonica, keyboards, percussion and guitar, Joseph Karnes – bass guitar, Jeremy Ruzumna – keyboards, John Wicks – drums and percussion. Whew!! During their 75-minute set, the group played earlier hits and included some newer songs. Included in that was the new track, “Sway,” which is available for streaming. Fitzpatrick and Scaggs interactions were very entertaining to say the least. The entire band was incredibly alert to each other and were synchronized perfectly. The people in attendance got more than their money’s worth. Although the entire show was incredible, it does leave Stir Cove with a serious problem. How are they going to top this?
SET LIST
OCD – COMPLICATED – SPARK – DON’T GOTTA – COME – 123456 – SWAY – FOOL – 6AM – HELP – LIVING FOR THE WEEKEND – FOOLS GOLD – MONEYGRABBER – SHINE – HANDS UP – HANDCLAP – ALL THE FEELS – WALKER
Fitz and the Tantrums
St. Paul and the Broken Bones
Devon Gilfillian
All images © Dean Birkheimer
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