from the moment we first heard the strumbellas in 2018, anna and i were huge fans. due to covid and their canadian-ness, and the fact that they aren’t like a mega super star a-list touring band on a big tour passing through all the nearby cities, we haven’t really had a good opportunity to see them live.
well, that all changed when they announced a stop at the cat’s cradle, a cozy little venue in chapel hill, nc. we bought four tickets, just so we had them, but in the end, ike and hazel were not interested, so anna asked a friend. it was a school night, so we were glad she could find someone. it was also a treacherous day of weather, and even though the roads were fine, a lot of the city was all closed up.
we found a burger place to fuel up for our night of rocking and rolling. al’s burger shack. so good.
i think the weather maybe affected the turnout, which was fine by us. after suffering through the opening act (they were probably good, we just didn’t know them and it was loud and not really my kind of music), we found a great place to hang for the show, a few rows back from the stage, with great views, and easy access to and from bathrooms and refreshments.
and then, we were subjected to the best two hours or so of our lives. the band was so fun and happy and energetic and seemed to be having a genuine blast. we didn’t want the night to end. they sang all of our favorites, old and new, and it was lovely.
i have a zillion videos, and i’m glad to show them to you if you text me. but, for this post, all i have is pics, because we all know i’m too lazy and/or tech impaired to post them to youtube and link them here. we’ll see. anyways. here’s a boatload of pics.
afterward, derek was able to get a setlist for anna from the stage crew. and then!!!!! we got to meet them. they signed the set list (and my album) and we chatted a bit and got a photo with them. it was amazing.
it was seriously the best night. and i will forever be a huge fan. even if they go back to their old semi-country music ways.