There’s no place like home, but there’s also no place like Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania either, especially if the Felice Brothers are in town. For the third year in a row, Ady and I made the voyage to one of the most picturesque, magical and slightly surreal towns we have ever encountered. We almost didn’t make it, but the draw of the Felice Brothers playing there again was too much to resist so we packed up and headed out—me making the multi-hour venture across interstate 80 (aka I-Ady) and she traveling from Philadelphia—to meet up there. Almost exactly six hours from my departure time I rounded the bend of Rt 209 and was swallowed up by the mystic mountainsides and deposited directly into the heart of the oldtimey town populated with antique-lace-curtain adorned brick buildings, scrolling ironwork and people who know how to have fun.
I navigated to the beautiful Inn at Jim Thorpe and upon entering our room a familiar hand appeared from behind the door and an emerald green drink, the first of two types on this trip, was foisted upon me. This one was Ady’s green smoothie concoction (non-alcoholic, and YUM!). Fully re-energized by this and our little smorgasbord of road food (our specialty) we headed out in search of the second green drink (alcohol-laden), which is found at Crave, a now pre-show-requisite stop.
Eventually we made our way into the casual party atmosphere of Mauch Chunk Opera House and the Felice Brothers took the stage to an audience rearing to go. James, now a veteran of that stage, welcomed everyone—family and friends, residents and visitors alike—before launching into a short but very sweet set. I have been following the tour through other people’s observations and knew they have been testing out and perfecting new material. By choice I have avoided hearing anything as I wanted a new surprise to my ears when I saw them live again. I am so glad I did! The new tunes flowed and gelled perfectly with the rest of their material and the next album is even more eagerly anticipated!
Highlights of the night included possibly the most powerful version of “I Got What I Need” we’ve heard from James yet (James quickly cast his microphone aside and filled the Opera House with sound au naturel…magnificent); a rip-roaring version of “Penn Station”; Ian taking center stage for a gorgeous solo “Mating of the Doves”; opener “Little Anne”; “Lincoln Continental”! . . . I also remember thinking to myself that in general the quality of vocals—both leads and harmony amongst the band in various configurations—sounded incredibly rehearsed, precise and quite simply fantastic all the way around (this thought was sparked by one song in particular that caused me to notice, however in an unfortunate memory lapse, thanks green fairy, I cannot remember which).
Once again the magic combo of FB’s + JT resulted in the perfect adventure for Ady and I. We capped off the evening with some post show pizza on the porch and a crazy little night jog through the town under the almost Super Moon.
Photos from the show will be added to our flickr account, for now here’s a nice representation to keep everyone happy. I have also included a photograph of the “Weak Danger Man” set list that a gentleman grabbed (thank you for sharing!), I asked to quickly take a photo (apologies for the low quality, I have adjusted the photo a bit to make it a little more readable).
Check out the previous two years!
Felice Brothers Jim Thorpe 2011 | Felice Brothers Jim Thorpe 2012
{PS – Cheers to Meghan and Amy for adding to the fun, was so great to see you there!}
{PPS – We missed you Kristi and Cindy!}
Sisters Dissonance 