Indigo Girls come to Lowell
Jul 11th, 2008 by Rosemary
Check back here tomorrow, for Emily Young’s take (below) on the concert.
to “Indigo Girls come to Lowell”
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1Emily Young said:
“Third time’s a charm,” the Indigo Girls sang last night in one of three new songs from their forth-coming independent album, out in February 2009.
Last night also marked the third time my sister and I saw the Indigo Girls perform at Lowell’s Boarding House Park. Accompanied by the ever-energetic Julie Wolf on keys and accordion, the strumming folk duo — Amy Ray and Emily Saliers – played 20 songs and two encores in 90-minutes flat.
There were several songs that I didn’t know, but my foot never stopped tapping. More than 20 years after releasing their first album, “Strange Fire,” their voices are as rich and complimentary as ever; one, by no means, is carrying the other. Their music is perfect for a cross-country road trip, as well as an evening at the grassy, outdoor pavilion.
Additionally, the Girls finally had the weather on their side. As early as 7:40 a.m., local fans were sunning themselves at the park. Seriously.
When I secured our spot with a large beach blanket and two, low beach chairs literally 12 hours before show time, there were already a host of blankets and 64 chairs (I counted) lined up and ready to go. Seven fans — six adults and one child — were casually reading the paper, sipping iced coffee and resting their early-morning eyes in the sunshine. A mom with three kids walked into the pavilion as I drove away. I wouldn’t have minded lounging with the rest of them. But, sigh, worked was calling.
Three summers ago, the Indigo Girls were far less fortunate. They only managed to plow through 10 or so songs before the skies opened up. A serious downpour squashed the rest of the performance, disappointing the soaking-wet fans hovering about the stage.
There were a few moments during last summer’s show when both Saliers and Ray nervously looked up at the looming clouds, as a few sprinkles fell upon the outdoor crowd. There was audible laughter from those who remembered the rain incident all too well.
I did panic a bit as clouds gathered during last night’s 45-minute opening act, the lovely Rose Polenzani of Somerville. But, as Saliers noted, the weather remained muggy and buggy, just like their home state of Georgia.
Perhaps my favorite song of the night was “Dairy Queen.” Not only did Ray jam out on the harmonica to the upbeat tune, but it features the fabulously funny line, “I heard that you were drunk and mean down at the Dairy Queen.”
The song list also included: “Pendulum Swinger;” “Ozilline;” “Watershed;” “Reunion;” “Love’s Recovery;” “The Wood Song;” “Get out the Map;” “Our Deliverance” and “Fill it Up Again.”
The entire crowd was on its feet for the final four songs: “Closer to Fine,” “Land of Cannan,” “Last Tears” and “Galileo.” It was a great way to end a great show. I truly hope to see the Indigo Girls back in Lowell next summer.If You Go
What: Lowell Summer Music Series
Where: Boarding House Park, 40 French St., Lowell
When: June 28 through Sept. 12
How: Tickets are between $13 and $33, which includes processing fees. All seats are general admission. You can informally reserve a grassy spot anytime the day of the show, marking it with a low beach chair or blanket. But you’re solely responsible for stolen or lost items.
More: For the full schedule, go to lowellsummermusic.org or call 978-275-1829. -
2Rosemary said:
Sounds like a great show. Of course, it’s also a perfect spot on a nice night — that scenic stage and grassy knoll, in the heart of the downtown.
Gee, there’s a lot to like about Lowell . . .
