MUSIC: Dan Bern Soothes Local 121 in Sandy Hook Concert

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Rob Duguay, GoLocalProv Music Critic

On Tuesday night at The Speakeasy located downstairs at Local 121, Dan Bern and Christopher Paul Stelling lent their musical talents to benefit the communities, families & victims effected by the horrible tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT this past Friday. An intimate atmosphere adorned with candles fit the mood for remembering the innocent lives that were lost, but at the same showed the altruistic kindness the human heart possesses. It was surely an evening you couldn't forget at Local 121—beautiful tunes were abundant and souls were enlightened.

Christopher Paul Stelling

Christopher Paul Stelling came up on stage with a weathered acoustic guitar and the audience was captivated right from the start. A voice that reminds me of Ray LaMontagne to go along with his lightning quick picking of his six-string provided great folk music that resonated audial gold. "Mourning Train To Memphis", "Every Last Extremist", "Strange Darkness", "Flawless Executioner" and "Never Been There" highlighted a performance that was magnificent and astounding. Christopher Paul Stelling has a new album out called Songs Of Praise And Scorn, a must have for any folk music enthusiast.

Dan Bern

Before Dan Bern came up to conclude the heartfelt night, Josh Miller who is the owner of Local 121 went on stage to thank the musicians and house manager Bryan Minto for giving their time to benefit the victims of the Sandy Hook tragedy and taking a stand against gun violence with everyone approving in applause. Dan then went up to the mic with his emphatic guitar,  harmonica and a bandana wrapped around his cranium to kick things into high gear. "Party By Myself", "One Thing Real", "Cape Town", "The Golden Voice Of Vin Scully", "Black Tornado", "I'm Not The Guy", "Lightning Jazz", "Jerusalem", "God Said No", "Joyce And Galaragga", "I Need You", "Breathe", "Dress", a rendition of John Lennon's "Nobody Told Me", "Tiger Woods", "Kid's Prayer" and a version of George Strait's "Amarillo By Morning" had the crowd clapping their hands non stop. The night wasn't over yet though, Bern took a breather and then proceeded to play "The Fifth Beatles" that had everyone laughing with his impressions of each member of The Beatles, Kurt Cobain, Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.

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A great night for a noble cause that ended with all the attendees smiling. Next time you want to see a show that will blow you away, stop by Local 121 and/or log on to www.local121.com for all the details. Do whatever you can to help the ones grieving in Newtown, CT. They need our love more than ever.

Photo: Todd Adamson

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