Weekend Wrap-up

(Toggle Switch photo of The Mountain Goats, Darnielle left, Vanderslice right)

A few brief, belated words about a pair of fine concerts that took place in Norfolk over the weekend. The Mountain Goats, who played Friday night at The Attucks Theatre, were in fine form. John Darnielle cuts an unusual figure as a performer -- his weird, nerdy energy is strange, but compelling. I'd never seen him live before and I was certainly impressed. His voice was every bit as strong as what's heard on his records. And his odd charisma meant he commanded the stage even though he was alone for most of the show. His producer (and opening act) John Vanderslice joined him for a few tunes, but mostly it was John alone. Definitely one of the young year's most memorable sets.

The size of the crowd at the Attucks was a pleasant surprise. The place was almost sold-out. I know the Discovery Music Series (of which the Goats were a part) has chalked up a few sellouts, including ones by blues rocker Joe Bonamassa and The Avett Brothers. But this was the biggest crowd I personally witnessed. Says something good about the local audience for adventurous music.

On the other hand, Saturday night's show by the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players attracted just a handful of folks. The Trachtenburg's didn't seem bothered that there were only a few dozen folks at The Boot to watch their sweet, funny performance art shtick. "It's fine. We're about to break this thing wide open," Jason Trachtenburg told me after the set. "The show's never been better." Amazing that he could be so optimistic after playing a nearly empty room in Norfolk, Virginia. But it was great to hear and see the Trachtenburgs here. And for only $10? Where was everybody?