By Rudy Lu

The Weight Band celebrates the music of Woodstock, New York. Composed of an all star quintet with two keyboardists, one guitarist, a bass player and a drummer; their sound echoes that of their predecessors known simply as “The Band”, famed for backing the Electricified Bob Dylan and helping shape that sound during a residency in Woodstock. Barb O’Brien, who is closely associated with them, emceed.

The special guest was the Grammy Award winning lap steel guitarist Cindy Cashdollar, also native to the area. Cindy harmonized and dueled with Jim Weider on guitar and at times was given the spotlight.

Together, they entertained an SRO audience with their take on Americana including gospel, honky tonk, blues, NOLA, country and southern rock that had the audience singing along and bouncing in their seats.

Jim Weider, best known for his guitar work, opened with the mandolin. Albert Rogers on bass sang heartfelt vocals.

The dual keyboard combination of Brian Mitchell and Matt Zein echoed the old Band’s combination of Garth Hudson and Richard Manuel. Brian Mitchell brought his gravelly NOLA style vocals to many songs including Dr. John’s “Such A Night”.

Drummer Michael Bram was a creative timekeeper. Like Levon, he really didn’t really need to solo to create music. His drumming ranged from steady rock beats, syncopated rhythms and faster shuffles. He did perform one brief solo and it added to the Stones “One Old Shot”.

The two sets drew from the latest release “Shines Like Gold”, both editions of The Band, Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead. All performed in the Weight’s unique style.

It was a great evening at the Bearsville Theater, in a classic venue that has undergone a great rehabilitation both inside and outside. There is now a paved parking lot and a very attentive staff. Future bookings include North Mississipi All Stars, Spafford, Stickmen, Patterson Hood & John Moreland and Marco Benevento.

Thank you to Mike Campbell & his staff for a great evening.

Band Line up

Jim Weider- Guitar, mandolin

Brian Mitchell- keyboards, accordion, vocals

Matt Zeiner- keyboards

Albert Rogers- bass, vocals

Michael Bram- drums, vocals

1st set–

Rag Mama Rag (The Band)

Out of the Wilderness (Original)

Kingdom Come/ King Harvest(The Band)

Baby Let Me Follow You Down ( Bob Dylan)

Shine Like Gold ( Original)

Ophelia (The Band)

Same Old Blues (Freddie King)

Whispering Pines (Band)

One Old Shot (Rolling Stones)

Cripple Creek (The Band)

2nd set

Don’t Do It (The Band)

Look Out Cleveland (The Band)

Such A Night (Dr. John)

Time Is A Thief (Original)

Life Is A Carnival (The Band)

Evangeline (The Band)

Highway 61 (Bob Dylan)

Atlantic City ( Band,Bruce Springsteen)

Come & Go Blues ( Allman Blues )

The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down( The Band)

Shape I’m In (The Band)

Encore

The Weight (The Band)

Fire On The Mountain (Grateful Dead)

I Shall Be Released(The Band)