When: April 23, 2011
Who: Mo, Malcolm, Pepito and guests
What: Concert
Cost: $55.00
Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
So I am going to copy in the words from the Railroad Revival Tour website, because I really can’t describe it any better: In April, Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, and Old Crow Medicine Show will embark on a tour unlike any in recent memory. Traveling exclusively in vintage rail cars, the three bands will journey across the American Southwest over the course of a week. The aptly titled Railroad Revival Tour will feature the three bands playing concerts at six unique outdoor locations along the route.
Our crew started off the evening at Robbie Fox’s Public House, a great Irish Pub in downtown Tempe. There was a group of 15 or so of us who were all jazzed for the concert. I was really only excited about Mumford & Sons as they are the only band I had heard of when I bought the ticket. I had listened to the other bands online and was intrigued to listen to them live, but not excited by any stretch of the imagination. I have an eclectic taste in music, no doubt, but the other two bands were not doing it for me. So, we took our time, enjoying the wonderful day, and the wonderful ales at the Irish Pub before we made our way to the concert venue.
The gates opened at 5pm and we entered around 6pm, seeing no need to fight the long beer lines and port-a-pottys any sooner than necessary. We got there to find an endless line of people in the “Wristband” line. Apparently, you needed to get a wristband in order to buy beer, so we got in line. After 20 minutes in line to get the wristband, we then entered into the beer line, which took another 20 minutes. Our buzz from our earlier beer was almost gone at this point, so we doubled up and headed towards the stage as the opening band was playing.
We made our way up towards the front of the stage to meet some other friends that were there and it was a maze of hippies, lawn chairs, beach blankets, hacky sack games, etc. I loved it!! How often do you get to go to such an intimate, unique concert among such strangeness? Maybe a Dave Matthews concert a decade ago, but nothing that I’ve seen in a long time. As the sun started to set, so did the effects of the alcohol and marijuana that was being smoked. Nothing says a “granola” concert like hacky sack and weed! I felt bad (for a second) for the rookies who actually thought their lawn chairs were going to stand up against the rushing crowd that wanted to dance, drink and be merry by the stage. I especially felt bad for whoever brought their kids, younger than 10 years old, and there were plenty! Who brings their child to an outdoor hippy fest? We all love Mumford and Sons, but come one, did you not think the place was going to be filled with stoned, drunk people??
As fun as it was to be so close to the stage, it also had its drawbacks; no beer and no bathrooms. So, we made our way back away from the claustrophobia of the front of the stage where we had some room to breathe, and buy some beer. The first two bands were fine, but nothing I would go seek out as a solo concert. I had my eye on the prize; Mumford! They definitely did not disappoint. They put on a great set, singing all of their “old” favorites along with some new stuff. They sounded phenomenal! Add to that, the magical atmosphere of this unique outdoor venue, by the train tracks, and the unique patrons, it was a special night!
Some advice…go seek out local shows; not those at the big venues, but those at small, intimate ones. It is an experience, and isn’t that what life is all about. Enjoy your friends, and enjoy the times you share with them!
Side Order of Sarcasm 
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