When Lake Street Dive played The Bowery Ballroom in April, they drew out a decently sized crowd of budding fans. Bad Self Portraits had been out for a couple of months, and after the “I Want You Back” video blew up on YouTube, people finally started to pay attention to the band’s unusual jazz-and-country-infused sound. Seven months later – on Friday night – Lake Street Dive played Terminal 5. The venue was at maximum capacity, a feat that reveals the rapid growth of Lake Street Dive’s fanbase over these past seven months.
After a powerful opening from Amy Helm, New York singer-songwriter and daughter of drummer Levon Helm of The Band, Lake Street Dive’s Mike Calabrese took to the drums. One by one, his bandmates joined him on stage, playing their respective parts to “Rabid Animal.” When Rachel Price walked on stage, the crowd’s anticipation overflowed, pouring out in the form of cheers and whistles for the lovable powerhouse. She began singing, and the song choice was all too fitting for the state of the audience at that point.
“We feel good, we’re home, and this is the biggest show we’ve ever played,” gushed Price on behalf of the Brooklyn-based band. Their appreciation for and surprise at the overwhelming amount of fans present that night was apparent throughout the show. The band played favorites “Stop Your Crying,” “You Use Me Up,” “Just Ask,” and, of course, “Bad Self Portraits.” Price’s intoxicating voice, artless spunk, and graceful dance moves were consistent throughout, and she powered through song after song, making it all look so easy as she tends to do. In the encore, the band played “I Want You Back,” paying homage to the song that propelled them forward.
Special musical surprises included an a cappella version of “What I’m Doing Here,” performances of three new songs from their upcoming album, and a bass solo on Bobby Tanqueray that turned into a Van Halen “Jump” mashup.
Lake Street Dive’s dazzling performance on Friday Night served as proof that the band has truly earned every bit of attention they’ve garnered thus far. They’ve come quite a ways in just seven months and they’re not showing any signs of stopping now. Who knows? They might just have another record under their belts another seven months from now.
Article by: Alexa Tietjen
Photos by: Shayne Hanley
Amy Helm
Amy Helm
Amy Helm
Amy Helm
Amy Helm
Amy Helm
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Rachael Price – Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
Lake Street Dive
