Last Train Home

DC venue that I forgot: Kennedy Center - Millenium Stage (Trout Fishing in America and now Last Train Home), and either the Eisenhower Theater or Opera House.

I took the family to see Last Train Home tonight at the Millenium Stage of the Kennedy Center. This is where they have daily free shows. Although this is only the second time I've seen them, Last Train Home is on my "see as often as possible" list. They seem very professional and seem to enjoy both music and performing. They're led by Eric Brace who used to be the weekend nightlife columnist for the Washington Post. He left that cush gig to try his hand at the music business. From their first concert, I discovered one great artist Karl Straub and rediscovered a great artist, Paul Kelly. Karl Straub led a band named the Graverobbers during the late 90's in the DC area but I had never heard of them. He writes and plays fabulous pop music. I I have actually been in email contact with him. My first fan email ever.
Paul Kelly is a great singer/songwriter from Australia. He plays mostly pop and power pop. He has made many albums and is worth a listen.
Back to Last Train Home. They play alt-country or Americana. Americana is an interesting musical term. It means country for those who are too insecure to say they like country music. Its kind of silly because the "Americana" artists that these folks like, worship the great country artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, and Hank Williams. Last Train Home plays a variety of tunes and seems to enjoy performing together. Their lineup tonight included an accordian, steel guitar, and trumpet. Their playlist included "I'll Be There Before the Next Teardrop Falls" in honor of Freddy Fender and a cover of Felice Navidad. All in all a very nice show.