Diane wanted to see Nickel Creek so I bought the tickets and we drove over to the State University of New York at Buffalo’s Center for the Arts. Sadly, the venue was only half full for the performance.
Nickel Creek consists of mandolinist Chris Thile, violinist Sara Watkins, and guitarist Sean Watkins with bassist Jeff Picker. Over the years, the group revitalized bluegrass and folk in the early 2000s and popularized a new era of “Americana Music.”
After a nine year absence, the Platinum-selling, Grammy Award-winning group returned in 2023 with a highly-anticipated album, Celebrants, with 18 songs written collectively during the Pandemic while in Santa Barbara.
After Monica Martin’s short set opening the concert, Nickel Creek lit up the stage with some furious playing. I’ve always considered Sara Watkins a talented singer and fiddle player. Chris Thile knows how to tickle the strings of his mandolin, while guitarist Sean Watkins (Sara’s brother) and bassist Jeff Picker provide melodic accompaniment. All in all, an enjoyable musical experience. Are you a fan of blue-grass music? GRADE: B
SETLIST:
- Where the Long Line LeadsPlay Video
- The Lighthouse’s TalePlay Video
- This SidePlay Video
- Going Out…Play Video
- CelebrantsPlay Video
- DestinationPlay Video
- Jealous of the MoonPlay Video
- In the House of Tom BombadilPlay Video
- Stone’s ThrowPlay Video
- Thinnest WallPlay Video
- When You Come Back Down(Tim O’Brien cover)Play Video
- Elephant in the CornPlay Video
- Somebody More Like YouPlay Video
- Water Under the Bridge, Part 1 / The MeadowPlay Video
- Out of the Woods(Sinéad Lohan cover)Play Video
- Smoothie SongPlay Video
- 21st of MayPlay Video
- When in RomePlay Video
- Sabra GirlPlay Video
- Scotch & Chocolate?Play Video
- The FoxPlay Video
- Hayloft(Mother Mother cover)Play Video
- Holding Patte
Bluegrass is great, but I can’t say I follow it!
Bob, Diane likes bluegrass music more than I do.
We saw this concert in Bethesda, just outside DC. Very enjoyable. Sara and Sean have been working together as Watson Family, but having Chris back was great. Our venue was a near sellout; we had great seats thanks to buying them early.
Jeff, the mix of new songs and old songs thrilled many Nickel Creek fans in the audience.
I don’t know them. In fact ,I never heard of them before this. Sounds good. I do like bluegrass, though I never listen to it as a rule.
Jeff, SUNY at Buffalo has been bringing in a variety of groups during the past couple of years. But this was the first bluegrass group.
I have never heard of them either but I am sure I would enjoy them.
Patti, I checked Nickel Creek’s concert schedule and the closest they come to you is in Pittsburgh.
I recommend The Petersens, a bluegrass family that you can see on YouTube! Three young ladies, two boys, and their mother on standup bass!
Bob, I’ll check out The Petersens. Thanks for the recommendation!
Yes, was a fan of bluegrass even before moving to the DC area, and finding myself in a bluegrass hub (among one for other music).
The Punch Brothers’ success and Thile hosting the PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION replacement LIVE FROM HERE didn’t hurt the eventual audience of Nickel Creek.
Todd, I miss PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION. Diane and I saw one of their touring companies about 10 years ago and loved it.
https://www.nonesuch.com/journal/watch-nickel-creek-performs-live-from-here-2019-02-05
Did the snow suppress turnout?