Music lovers and fans from all over gathered on the lawn of the Walker County courthouse Friday evening to listen to local bands the Anthemeers and the Gypsy Davies.
The performances comprised the first installment of the city of Huntsville’s Main Street Music series; an event at which local artists perform every Friday from April 5 to May 10.
The Anthemeers, an eccentric sextuplet echoing Broken Social Scene and Fleet Foxes, performed first, washing the crowd in their unique brand of college rock.
From anthemic ballads to fast-paced rhythmic rock the group entralled the crowd with an energetic and positive vibe that translated into a frenetic but cohesive performance, well rounded in both emotion and musicality. The band closed with “Becoming Something” sending the gathered listeners off in a tidal wave of good feelings.
“It was a wonderful performance, really great production and a really professional sound,” said local musician Miranda Hightower.
Next up were the Gypsy Davies, an acoustic blues duo. The band went through a medley of blues standards like “Fever” and “St. James Infirmary Blues”, mixing in clever covers of Britney Spears and folksy originals along the way.
The performance was soulful, gripping listeners with raw, bluesy angst, conveying a sound akin to the softer efforts of artists like the White Stripes or Jeff Buckley.
Vocalist William Tyler Zell ventured out into the crowd, singing acapella without the aid of the mic, bringing true spirit to the set.
“They have a lot of heart, a lot of genuine intention,” Huntsville resident Mary Brett said of the band “they’re just down-home good.”
Overall, the performance was great beginning for the weekly music series, and was itself a great example of local musical talent.
The bands, the fans, and the atmosphere were all positive, and the music well done.
The next concert in the series will be held on April 12 with artists Zachary Keane Crocker and Mary Brett. For more information, call the Huntsville Main Street Program ay 936-294-5920.