Image of the Day-"The Curse"

  

Josh Ritter

Hartwood Acres

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Hampton Township

 This was my third Ritter gig and probably my favorite. Not only do you get a beautiful night to kick off the outdoor free concert season but he and his band sounded great. Things weren't looking so good early on. The PA wasn't working to start the set and Josh came out and performed a delicate acoustic tune solo to soundcheck which sounded good from the lip of the stage but was inaudible to the thousands on the lawn. After about a twenty minute delay the technical hiccup was resolved and the concert was saved. I am sure he made many a new fan at Hartwood.

Image Of The Day-"Girl In The War"

Josh Ritter
Diesel
Tuesday May 18, 2010
Southside

So even though this isn't the first time I have seen Josh play, it has been a few years and a few remarkable albums later since the last time. What amazed me was the huge crowd that has discovered him since he played Club Cafe in 2005. This show was unbelievably PACKED. I suppose for good reason, he and his band were great. I don't think I will ever see a more enthusiastically happy performer on stage than him. The guy exudes joy. He is also probably the nicest guy in show biz to his fans. I have heard stories of fans meeting him after shows and he will talk forever with everybody, even though there is a line of people waiting. That's the way to build and keep a fan base. Setlist here.