The Columbia Theatre began their New Artist Concert Series with Denton Hatcher and the Soap Box Blues, followed by headliner River Whyless.

Even though River Whyless headlined, I found myself enjoying Denton Hatcher and the Soap Box Blues more. I could not relate to River Whyless because most of the songs performed had a little too much going on. 

The group was great and very talented. However, I enjoyed the use River Whyless made with a variety of instruments as they performed. Singer Halli Anderson played the violin with both the bow and her fingers. She also used a tambourine and conga to create a unique sound as she sang with the other band members. Daniel Shearin, the drummer, also stood out the most because he not only used a typical drum set, but also sat a tambourine on top of his cymbals and made a high-pitch sound accompanying the guitars with the perfect beat. 

Despite their talent and good use of instruments, I will not be excited to see the band again, but I would love to see Denton Hatcher and the Soap Box Blues again. 

I am not one to listen to much Americana music, but this band was so good, I went online to listen to more of their music. Singer Denton Hatcher’s vocals blew me away with each song performed. 

Overall I enjoyed the concert being that it was my first concert experience.