The Brooklyn-based Americana band, “Yarn” put on a stellar performance Friday Feb. 4 in one of the area’s newest venues, the Nelson Odeon. Residents of all ages crowded into the audience to experience the band’s genre-bending mix of county, bluegrass, rock, rhythm and blues.
The six-man group was missing one musician; however the five members of Yarn still put on an incredible concert experience, which those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed. Blake Christiana sang lead vocals and played rhythm guitar, Ricky Bugel slapped the upright bass, lead guitarist Rod Hohl traded sweeping solos with mandolin player Andrew Hendryx and Robert Bonhomme kept the beat on his drum kit.
Amidst a four-date tour, the band stopped by the Odeon before continuing on to play the Putnam Den in Saratoga the next night. With them they brought a lively crowd of followers, who started an infectious dance party towards the back to the audience. Barely allowing listeners to show their approval, the band quickly transitioned from one thunderous tune to the next. Song requests could be heard during every lull, and the band delivered, performing fan-favorites like “Abilene” and “Christopher Street” within their 20-song set.
Yarn has been steadily climbing the Americana charts. With three critically acclaimed albums under their belts, the band will soon head into the studio to record a fourth. For more information on the band, to sample and buy their music, visit yarnmusic.net.
While ticket-buyers come to see talented music acts, the Odeon’s ambiance is often center-stage. The Schoenfeld family and their close friends keep the venue in operation and provide a comfortable atmosphere for visitors. Dinner for the band is served at the family’s house, two doors down, before every show. Home-made delicacies, freshly popped corn and friendly conversation are all available to attendees in the concession area. Word of the venue’s quality has spread downstate, as Yarn first heard of the Nelson Odeon from fellow Brooklyn musician and former headliner, Andy Friedman.
The Schoenfelds have been working hard to improve the building and their reputation. Along with a renovated ticket window at the Nelson Odeon, tickets to future shows are available for purchase at area Freedom of Espresso coffeeshops. In addition, owner Jeff Schoenfeld has enlisted the help of Stress Designs to improve e-mail marketing.
The Nelson Odeon will take a brief hiatus in March, allowing the Schoenfeld family to catch their breath and prepare for the four upcoming concerts in April. Kevin So is slated to perform on April 1, then the venue will host CD-release parties for Chad Darou and Stealing Time on April 9 as well as Joe Crookston on April 15. To learn more about the history of the Odeon, research upcoming acts and purchase tickets visit nelsonodeon.com.
