The moment brothers Cody and Luther Dickinson, and Chris Chew, stepped into the lights and surveyed the crowd (which was on the small side), they gave us a big smile and got right down to business. They started in with an introduction that was understated but interesting enough to set the stage and pique our interest for the heart and soul of the show. The transition between this “getting to know you” phase between the band and the audience and what came next is hard to define exactly. One moment people were just standing there listening, many for the first time and the next moment every person in the room just let go and engaged in the music. People often comment on the way energy gets passed around between the audience and the band. For example low or high energy emanating from the audience may influence what songs are played and how the band plays them. Some question whether it is the band or the concert-goers that control this flow of energy and thus the way songs are played, as well as the feeling left in people when they shake off the last note and get ready to leave.

With this band, I think it is a dual transaction; what the crowd is willing to give and how high they can raise their energy level seems to challenge the Allstars to raise the bar even higher. What results is a contagious blend of contentedness, gratitude, and a general feeling of elation that radiates out and connects both sides of the stage. The songs become as complex and laden with sound as the crowd will tolerate- which on Friday was through the roof and well into the night. Saturday (yes, I went again!) was also outstanding but the crowd and the band seemed to be more subdued or tired. Whatever it was, the music was toned down to match this energy level. Still, the intricate and heartfelt songs that they dished out from the bass, guitars, drums, and washboard kept everyone’s fixed attention long enough.

Both nights, over three hours with no discernable set break, proved the North Mississippi Allstars’ phenomenal musicianship and ability to rock the house down until it was time for them to go. When they come back to Tahoe, don’t miss them but be sure to check your baggage at the door, keep and open mind, and get ready to get low on the dance floor.