The first time I saw The Revivalists was at Mountain Jam in June 2013 (click here for that story) and they were fun. High energy and a perfect choice for a late sunny Saturday afternoon at Hunter Mountain. Since then, I have caught their act several times at The Brooklyn Bowl. In May 2016 they sold the place out (click here for that story). With deep New Orleans roots, the band has created a unique and very accessible position for themselves in the jam band scene. They have even penetrated the 14 year old girl market as my girlfriend’s daughter is a fan. Although a little too “poppy” for my sweetspot (Widespread Panic is my fav), the band is on the right side the tracks (the tough side) with their catalog of songs.


When my friend Cory invited me to see the band play The Beacon Theatre a few weeks ago (January 2019), I jumped at the opportunity. His crew was tight with the band and made the whole experience that much better. Sitting in the second row (stage left) and having some personal interactions with singer David Shaw and crew allowed me to witness the flavor of energy they bring with their music. It is not an easy transition from the smaller venues to a place like The Beacon Theatre (Drive-By Truckers had a tough time with it), but they sold the place out and killed it from song one to the fat lady sang.

The Revivalists filled the stage with horns (always love that) and two drummers. Although lead singer David Shaw dresses like a dork, he has style and helps stir up the crowd on cue to dance a little harder and faster. They are certainly infectious. 


Like all New Orleans bands, they also know how to do a sing along with the crowd without losing themselves (most don’t). It sounds odd, but their sharpness and energy remind me of the GE Smith Saturday Night Live band.


Here is the set list (click here) I especially liked “Keep Going” (click here to listen).


It is always nice when a band rips their big “hit”. In this case, “I Wish I Knew You”. David Shaw tore the house down, but it was his pre-song ramble that struck the deepest chord with me as my 94-year old grandmother passed away that night… Shaw said that he gets hundreds of notes each month from fans that talk about the person they think of in their lives that “they wish they knew when they were young.” For me, this night was Mary Valentino. 


As an encore, in honor of The Allman Brothers and their legendary runs at The Beacon Theater, the band belted out “Whipping Post”. A very nice way to close out a super nice evening.


Music continues to be magic for the soul and a great connector of friends… thanks Cory. It is always so nice to see my music friends (in this case Bucalo, et all in the balcony!).


Keep flapping rancheleros.