THROUGH THE LENS: ND Photographers’ Favorite Roots Music Concerts of 2024

December is my favorite month for the Through the Lens column because it gives the ND photographers the opportunity to step out from behind their cameras and share with us what moved them this year. 

This week, it’s what 14 ND photographers have to say, in words and photos, about their favorite roots music gigs of 2024. From Australia to America’s Atlantic Ocean, it’s a pretty comprehensive look at the state of roots music today. Many thanks to my fellow photographers for sharing so much of their talent, time, and inspiration with ND readers, as well as the rest of us at the magazine.

Lucinda Williams & Margo Price — Waterfront Blues Festival, Portland, Oregon

Williams lit up like a light bulb when Price joined her on stage, the respect and admiration shown by Price was readily apparent to all. I was also fortunate to have been the only photographer to capture it, what an honor to have been there at that moment. — Peter Dervin 

Danielle Nicole Band — AMERICANAFEST, Nashville, Tennessee

Is it Americana? Blues? Rock? A Power Trio? Does it even matter when the show is that good? They tore up the Exit/In and it was also a blast to shoot as Nicole’s kinetic bass work made my job easy. — Chris Griffy 

Billy Strings — Kia Forum, Los Angeles, California

Closing out his 2024 summer tour Strings played two sold-out shows to 18,000 concert goers in LA. While this was my first time catching him, his PR team gave me the VIP treatment, including a slice of a specially made Billy Strings cake(!) and the best seat in the house at the show. The overall vibe of love/positivity from his fans made the night even better. I feel blessed to have been there.  — Liza Orozco

Old Crow Medicine Show — Keswick Theatre, Glenside, Pennsylvania

Their name says it all: Medicine SHOW, emphasis mine. Yes, friends they put on a well planned, well rehearsed, and extremely well executed show. — Mark J. Smith 

The Third Mind — The Troubadour, Los Angeles, California

The band, with Dave Alvin and Jesse Sykes in tow, took the stage at the world famous Troubadour and added to the “if these walls could talk” lore of that hallowed venue. They grabbed me by the soul and grooved me to the best places, with grit and heart. — Jim Brock 

Sierra Hull — Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, Pennsylvania

Hull is such a gifted musician and with her energy and wit. The show was more than a pleasure to experience. — Eric Ring

Stevie Wonder — State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia 

I first saw Wonder in 1972 when he opened for The Rolling Stones, and I’ve seen him many time’s since as well. Just days before the ’24 election he, a handful of backing singers and over a dozen other players, was on a whole other level winding their way through a mighty 28 songs. Wonder told stories, jokes, and shared his hopes and dreams for the future. His song “Love’s in Need of Love Today” said it all. — Kim Reed

Hiss Golden Messenger — Soul Kitchen, Mobile, Alabama

A stellar set in the front room of Soul Kitchen to an appreciative, if scant, crowd. — Justin St. Clair 

Brandi Carlile — Brandi Carlile’s Mothership Weekend, Miramar Beach, Florida

Carlile left it all on the stage at her second annual fest. Not only did she do two headlining sets, she performed with Sara Bareilles, Nickel Creek, and Bonnie Raitt during their respective sets. She commanded the stage with her songs as well as covers such as McCartney’s “Live and Let Die,” Queen’s “We Are the Champions” (which was incendiary), and Joni Mitchell’s “Carey” on which Tim Hanseroth played an Appalachian dulcimer. SistaStrings joined in on the spiritual “Wade in the Water” and Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” — Boom Baker

Adrianne Lenker — Rialto Theatre, Tucson, Arizona  

I’ve seen Lenker with Big Thief, but seeing her solo in a mid-sized theatre was perfect. The audience was respectfully quiet and attentive as they were immersed by this intimate show. “Vampire Empire” and “Anything” were the standouts. — C. Elliott 

Hayes Carll & The Band of Heathens — Heartwood Soundstage, Gainesville, Florida

These two Texas legends have toured for a couple of decades, but never together. They made up for that apparent oversight this year by sharing the stage for most of the night, but did a few numbers of their own, as well as one original song written just for the tour. They closed with a tribute to Guy Clark, doing “LA Freeway” as the audience sang along. It was a great night of Texas-inspired music.  — Rick Davidson 

Tedeschi-Trucks Band – Bluesfest Byron Bay, Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia

It was the band’s first trip here in eight years and they made up for lost time. — Steve Ford

Robert’s Western World 25th Anniversary Celebration — Nashville, Tennessee 

In honor of JesseLee Jones 25th year of ownership of the legendary Nashville honky tonk, they threw a one day party of epic proportions celebrating the glorious music that built Nashville. Lower Broadway, with two stages, was shut down and featured Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent, Ray Benson, Carlene Carter, Brennen Leigh, Nikki Lane, the absolutely incredible guitarist Redd Volkaert, and so many others. What a contrast it was hearing real country music, western swing, and bluegrass wafting down Lower Broadway as the corporate-owned bars blasted bad cover bands and clichéd rock songs for bachelorrete partiers and other tourists. It was a day for the ages! — Kevin Smith

Click on any photo below to view the gallery as a full-size slideshow.