John’s Alleys was not only lit up by the stage last Friday, but by the lively crowd moving their feet to beat of the music.
The Alley always brings in a unique crowd, and this night, it brought in the crowd and more.
I found myself moving and wanting to sing along, even though I didn’t even know the words.
But I don’t think I was the only one – looking around the crowd I saw many people nodding their heads trying to mouth words to songs they’d never heard.
The Alley has limited seating on a busy night, so it leaves a large crowd to have to stand, which didn’t seem to bother anyone.
Everyone was standing and dancing to the music, interacting with the band. Even the employees couldn’t contain their need to tap their fingers on the bar.
Live music in a bar is always tricky because a lot of people just come for the drinks and to socialize. If a band doesn’t draw in the crowd quickly, then most will talk over them and turn back occasionally.
Hawthorne Roots wasn’t the usual weekend band though. They revved up the crowd and turned down the talking.
This was Hawthorne Roots’ third trip back to the Alley — and it showed. They knew the stage well and each other even better. The band seemed like a family together and created a bond with the crowd, as if they were letting them into their tight knit group for the night.
The female-led band is not the only part that makes them unique.
Sisters Madeline and Emma Kelly started the band together, adding in bassist Dustin Crowson, guitarist Lucas Mace and drummer and vocalist Michael DeJaynes in the last four years.
Hawthorne is a family name of the Kelly sisters and you can hear those family ties throughout their songs, not only combining the vocals of Madeline and Emma, but another distinctive quality is DeJaynes. The lower range of his voice adds to the depth of the band’s vocal range and also the quality of their songs.
For only a $5 cover charge, Hawthorne Roots gave the crowd a lot morewith their local feel.
Playing a smaller venue, fans could interact with the band before and after their set, getting to know who they are. That something that can’t always be found in larger concerts.
Watching Hawthorne Roots play, recreated the feeling of an intimate family gathering with a few instruments, but with the quality of musicians that are truly going somewhere.
Hawthorne Roots is currently on tour, throughout the Northwest promoting their newest EP, “On Second Thought,” which is available on Spotify and iTunes.
If you get the chance to check them out in person, don’t miss out.
Alex Brizee can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @alex_brizee