My second concert outing during my trip to Maine was to see the Avett Brothers at the State Theatre in Portland. And friends, it was glorious.

The opening act was John Oates — yes, of Hall and Oates! — who did a sort of Motown-y, blues-y, Hall and Oates-y mix of stuff. A LONG mix of stuff — he played nearly as many songs as the Avetts themselves. The music was all right, but after song 9 or 10 I was over it. Also I think Portland may have offended Oates, since he told the crowd we were the first he’d ever played for not to holler and demand “Maneater.” Really, Oates? “Maneater” = “Freebird”? I’ve got doubts.

When the Avetts at last came on, they were brilliant as always. Just a hundred thousand percent committed to their performance; I swear the taller one (Seth? Scott? I forget) jogged through every song, his knees almost touching his chest as he rocked the flock out. They didn’t play all my favorites, but it didn’t matter — they just create such joy in the rooms they play, and the combination of the sound from the stage and the delight in the audience was just magical.

The usual bass player was absent, away greeting a new child, according to my sister, but the sub was fine. And I like watching the shorter Avett at the drums, but some other dude played them for most numbers. Still — these adjustments diminished the quality of the show, and my enjoyment in it, not one bit.

I think the mark of a good concert is feeling enveloped by the music — from the ringing in your ears to the pulse in your chest to the joy in your soul. And I definitely felt that way at this Avett Brothers show. Cannot wait to see them again.

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