Walking into Woodlands Tavern in Columbus, Ohio on the evening of Saturday, Feb. 21 was an experience.
We had to park a few blocks away and walk to the show. The bar was crowded, music blaring, TVs on, and people were eating and having a good time.
We worked our way to the back, heading through what looked like an open garage door into a small venue—a stage and room with about a 300-person capacity.
We got in line at the bar, and not only did the line move quickly, but I was also very surprised at the cost: a tall boy and a Diet Coke only cost me $7.50 plus tip, probably the cheapest drink I’ve gotten at a show in almost 20 years.
Max Alan opened for The Jack Wharff Band and played a solid set, with a voice that called forth the ancestors of classic country music.
Alan played seven or eight songs, including several where he added harmonica along with guitar and vocals.
My wife favored his sound over the headliner, so his music will probably be in rotation at my house for a while.
The Jack Wharff Band took the stage, and my first thought was how young these guys were. I would not have survived a national tour at the tender age they appear to be. But age doesn’t belie talent. These guys rocked.
The drummer played hard and fast. The fiddler was enthusiastic and borderline insane, dancing around the stage. The bassist handled a stand-up bass with skill and confidence. The guitarist not only shredded as he rocked out, but also switched it up on a few songs and raised hell on a banjo.
There was a cute moment when the lead singer brought his young cousin up on stage and let her sing an original song. It was both sweet and a genuinely solid performance.
They played their bigger songs, “Richmond’s Most Wanted” and “Picture Perfect,” which is one of the greatest love songs I’ve ever heard. They also covered Tyler Childers a few times, playing “Messed Up Kid,” “All Your’n,” and “Shake the Frost.”
It was a solid show. The music was awesome, and the environment was great. It got a little Jesus-y at the end, which isn’t for me, but it didn’t stop me from thinking it was a hell of a good time.
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