THROUGH THE LENS: ND Photographers’ Favorite Roots Music Gigs of 2020

While the performance season ended early this year, ND photographers managed to get in a good number of shows nonetheless. There’s something for everyone as many branches of roots music are represented in this week’s column from a wide variety of locales, from the dry land of Scotland and Los Angeles to cruise ships on the Caribbean. There is also one first: two photographers chose the same artist, Yola, as their favorite gig of the year. That they caught her at different times and on different coasts makes her selection all the more impressive.

Here’s what 12 ND photographers have to say, in words and photos, on their favorite roots music gigs of 2020.

Yola – Aladdin Theatre, Portland, Oregon

Yola’s mix of pop country, alt-country, soul, roots rock, and folk-rock with Elton John covers thrown in was wonderful. She has a way of engaging her audience with the background of some of the songs. To have seen this multiple Grammy-nominated artist in a 500-capacity venue was an absolute pleasure. In such an intimate setting you could really hear her dynamic range. – C. Elliott

Southern Avenue – Clearwater Sea-Blues Festival, Clearwater, Florida

In 2017 Southern Avenue, a band from Memphis, took the Peoria Blues Festival by storm. That was the first time I had seen this impressive young band and their classy combination of soul and funk. Formed by two sisters, the dynamic frontwoman Tierinii Jackson and drummer Tikyra Jackson, they soon became a quintet that includes noted Israeli guitarist Ori Naftaly. Three years after that first experience I had with them, and four or five shows later, this performance on a balmy Florida night was hands down the best. – Kim Reed

Hayes Carll – City Winery, Nashville

Carll is always a great show, but what made this one, with Allison Moorer sitting in, so special was that it was my (and many people’s) first since the pandemic shut down concerts. My most memorable moment of 2020 was Carll getting choked up when the applause came after the first song: “It’s … been so long since I’ve gotten to hear that.” It was a great reminder that, along with the lost revenue from touring, artists are suffering in other, more personal ways, too. – Chris Griffy 

Orville Peck – Tucson, Arizona

Country crooner Orville Peck seemed to have a persona shrouded in mystery as he took the stage with his over-the-top outfit: a black mask with fringe flowing down to his bare chest, a cowboy hat, chaps, and high-topped boots. His multigenerational, spirited fans consisted of indie-folk rockers, drag queens, frat boys, and die-hard country enthusiasts, many dressed in Peck-like fashion. His deep, baritone voice caressed his personal, honky-tonk, self-penned songs, and he invited fans to sing along, which they did, loudly and joyfully. Peck seemed to be having the time of his life as he performed. – Mary Andrews

Brandi Carlile – Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Washington 

What made this performance by Carlile was the sheer joy of the artist and the audience, engaged together within the music. With the Seattle Symphony providing an additional level of musicianship to this concert, the sold-out crowd was out of their seats the entire evening. Additionally, at that moment before the shutdown Carlile had been establishing herself as one of the most exciting singer-songwriters for a new generation. I’m sure that once we all get through the struggles of 2020, our beloved artists will bring us together for reflection and celebration. – Peter Dervin

Dale Watson – Ameripolitan Awards Weekend, Memphis, Tennessee

Joined by former BR5-49 frontman Chuck Mead, rockabilly legends James Intveld and Shaun Young, wildman Jason D. Williams on piano, and his wife, Celine Lee, Watson held an in-the-round tribute to country music greats. Later that evening Tanya Tucker was an unexpected surprise, delighting everyone with her take on Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” and a spontaneous duet with Watson on “I’ll Fly Away.” Unforgettable. – Kevin Smith 

Yola – World Cafe Live, Philadelphia 

I was so looking forward to a night with Yola. Sadly, some health issues hit me as I was shooting the opening act. I knew I wasn’t going to make it through the night but I was determined to get a good shot of Yola. Then I went home. I hope to catch her again in the future. – Mark J. Smith

Lucinda Williams and Buick 6 – Outlaw Country Cruise  

My favorite show of the year came as a surprise on this year’s Outlaw Country Cruise. Lucinda Williams’ band, Buick 6, did sets prior to her shows and an extended set in the Spinnaker Lounge. Their shows were music from an imaginary other realm, cowpunk, and they channeled some of the best guitar players going in the mashup. Then Williams, who debuted several of her new songs from Good Souls Better Angels, held us in the rapture of the moment. They tore us up with “Man Without a Soul” as we felt their collective conviction in every line. – Boom Baker

Mavis Staples – Sail Away Show, Cayamo Cruise 

Staples issued a call for love and action; I will never forget her saying she was “going to march up to Washington, and grab that little boy by the necktie” [and give him a piece of her mind].” She and the band transmitted all that love and joy, leaving me buzzing. I hope she’s been wrapped up in bubble wrap and is staying safe somewhere this year, as everyone needs to see Staples. – Brenda Rosser 

Refuweegee series –  Glasgow, Scotland 

The year began on a real high, as Glasgow’s Celtic Connections brought together over 2,000 artists for 18 nights of musical bliss. Little did we know then how much we needed to cherish live music and international artists. But Glasgow was not done. The city has brought a shining light to the COVID-19 darkness by creating Refuweegee, a monthly live music event through Zoom that raises much-needed funds to support refugees living in Glasgow. – Carol Graham

The Lone Bellow – The Troubadour, Los Angeles 

It’s hard not to get swept up by their songs of coming out the other side heartache. At this February show, two horns offered a comforting accent on “I Can Feel You Dancing,” “Tree to Grow” was pin-drop quiet, and “Green Eyes and a Heart of Gold” was especially rousing. Such a night, shared by a roomful of folks singing, listening, and dancing together, seemed stirring in a way that could never be imagined at the time. – Jim Brock 

Pinegrove – Levon Helm Studios, Woodstock, New York 

Debuting their album Marigold in front of a packed house seemed destined to be an incredible night. There had already been a lot of buzz around the record, which is definitely one of my top picks for this year, and they gave a blistering performance. High energy in such an intimate space paved the way, and everyone was left, as usual with these guys, wanting more. Amazing show, amazing record. – Anthony Mulcahy

Now the photos.