Featured Live Music Artist of the Week - Green Umbrella

I saw Green Umbrella at Off The Vine in Momence - a venue I had written about previously - which, honestly, is probably one of my favorite "cozy" venues.  It's not large and it's not meant to be - it's perfect for bands like, Green Umbrella.

Green Umbrella has been referred to, by members of the band, as the "Dylan/Crosby Stills Nash project".  And that is an accurate description.........sort of.

The band is much more than that, they played everything from the 60s through the 90s.  Yes, they definitely played the Dylan and CSN stuff, and the folksy signer-songwriter classics of that era, as well as some deep cuts of the era that fans really appreciate.  But they also played songs like The Future's So Bright (I Gotta Wear Shades) and songs by the Monkees.  They also played that 1970s hit, Wildfire - when was the last time anybody heard that played live???   And, speaking of deep-cuts, they also played some deepcut Mellencamp tunes as well, songs that made the Mellencamp fans extra happy.  Heck, I'm a Mellencamp fan, and I can hear Jack & Diana everywhere, but Green Umbrella played the album tracks - and since the concert was held in small town Illinois, not far from the Indiana border, that made the crowd quite happy!  Unfortunately, I can't remember the entire set, but every song was an excellent choice.

Oh, as for the band - 2 acoustic guitars, percussion, and a female vocalist.  And with that mix, they laid down some awesome harmonies!  (Which is kind of important when doing songs by CSN for example)  The band was fun to watch and each member interacted with the crowd continuously throughout the show.  If someone asked me if this was a concert or a get-together, I'd say get-together - and that's a good thing!  The band (and the venue) made this like a bunch of friends getting together to enjoy great music (and drinks and friendship).  I even recall the vocalist saying "Hi" and "Welcome" and such over the mic when he recognized people in the audience, or would mention them by name when getting ready to start a song, like "I know so-and-so will like this one!"

At one point, some goofy blog writer (to remain nameless), even yelled out "Freebird".  And surprise of all surprises - the band actually went right into it - and pulled off a stunning acoustic version of the song!!!  All in the spirit of fun. 

The thing about this band and the performance that stands out is two-fold.  1) They are accomplished musicians who can play and sign across all genres  2) They are fun, it was like a get-together around a campfire - informal yet professional.

Worth checking out!