The Wood Brothers w/s/g Shane Guerrette Band at Frog Alley Brewing

June 23, 2026

5–7 minutes

By: Penny Piper

I knew I was having a good time but I didn’t realize I was having one of those nights I’d still be buzzing from days later.

By the time The Wood Brothers took the stage at Frog Alley Brewing on June 20, Shane Guerrette had already stolen my heart, the sun was setting over the courtyard, and everything that makes live music magical was surrounding me.

This was my first visit to Frog Alley and I was immediately impressed. The venue is massive without feeling impersonal. Easy parking, great food, craft cocktails, delicious beer, and balconies with twinkling lights surrounding the courtyard that somehow make the massive space feel warm and inviting. Everywhere I looked, people were smiling. Friends were chilling. Families were sharing a summer night together. Everyone was laughing and dancing. It felt less like attending a concert and more like being welcomed into a rager of a party. I have to mention the staff too, they deserve mad recognition. Every interaction I had was positive, friendly, and genuine. No small feat considering how busy they were throughout the event.

The night started off with the Shane Guerrette Band, Cormac on guitar, Maker on drums, Caleb on bass, and of course Shane on vocals and lead guitar. Shane is an artist I had never seen before but haven’t stopped listening to since. Some artists entertain you. Others leave a mark.

Drawing inspiration from the earliest days of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul music, Guerrette’s sound and performance comes across as timeless and deeply personal. His old-school setup strips away anything unnecessary, leaving behind only raw emotion, powerful songwriting, and undeniable authenticity.

This music is sexy. It makes you want to fall in love over and over again, even though it’s probably going to hurt like hell. But that’s what music is here for, to be by your side when the world gets a little too quiet.

Between those bright blue eyes, that voice, that guitar, and songs that seem to come from somewhere deep and honest, Shane Guerrette completely captivated the audience. By the end of his set, I wasn’t wondering if I’d listen to him again. I was wondering why I hadn’t discovered him sooner.

Then came The Wood Brothers.

Comprised of Oliver Wood on guitar and vocals, Chris Wood on bass, harmonica, and vocals, and Jano Rix on percussion and what feels like every instrument imaginable, The Wood Brothers continue to prove why they remain one of the most unique and beloved bands touring today.

The trio treated us to a generous selection of songs from their newest album, Puff of Smoke along with some of everyone’s favorites. The new record feels a little different from the others, and I mean that as a compliment. The songs carry the same heart, wisdom, and humanity that have always defined The Wood Brothers, but there’s an added sense of playfulness woven throughout the album that I found myself completely digging.

Listening to these songs reminds me not to take myself so seriously. Life is going to life. We are all just the Witness. The Trick is learning when to stop gripping the wheel so tightly.

That balance between humor and truth has always been one of The Wood Brothers’ greatest strengths. Their songs can be sweet, funny, and uplifting one moment before taking a turn into something darker and more reflective the next. Just like life itself, the music doesn’t shy away from complexity. Instead, it welcomes it.

The songwriting alone would be enough to make this band special. Then you add three world-class musicians to the equation. At one point, I found myself completely mesmerized by Jano Rix. I realized he was playing keys with one side of his body while simultaneously handling percussion with the other. I sat there staring in disbelief, trying to understand how one human being could possibly be doing all of that at the same time. I myself need to turn down the volume on my car radio so I can see better, so you can imagine my awe at watching this man do things I personally can’t comprehend.

Chris Wood’s bass playing was equally fascinating, effortlessly holding everything together and beating that heart that pumps the life through every song. I’ve been a fan of Chris’ for as long as I can remember. Medeski, Martin, and Wood, one of his other projects, taught me what live music was supposed to be and had a huge hand in my love for live performances. And Oliver Wood’s warm, soulful voice carried each story exactly where it needed to go. He’s the absolute sweetest and entirely captivating. The creativity in his playing is unparalleled. What a treat Saturday was!

Watching these three musicians perform together feels less like witnessing a band and more like watching a conversation between old friends who know exactly what the other is about to say. They are storytellers, therapists, philosophers, and entertainers all at once. And they are extraordinary.

As incredible as the performances were, nights like this don’t happen without a dedicated team working behind the scenes. High Peaks Event Production, owned by Christine and Roger Sharp, deserves tremendous credit for helping make these events possible. The stage, sound, and lighting don’t simply appear in a venue parking lot by magic, although they make it seem that way. The production throughout the evening was seamless. Every detail felt polished, professional, and effortless. The best production teams are often the ones you don’t notice because everything works exactly as it should. High Peaks delivered exactly that.

As the crowd slowly filtered out into the warm summer night, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for discovering a new artist. Grateful for spending an evening with one of my favorite bands and some of the very best friends a girl could ask for. Grateful for a venue that understands how to create an experience. And grateful for the reminder that sometimes live music is all you need.

This night was a stark reminder why I love this so much.