Live Log 2023: Sound Mind, Wet Feet
Hot Live Summer 2.0 Kicks Off With Iron & Wine, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Pom Pom Squad
As someone who put on many “rain or shine” outings during my days as a nonprofit event planner - including one where my weather app promised zero precipitation even as I was getting drenched to the bone - I knew what the organizers of the Sound Mind Festival were going through. After seemingly weeks of beautiful days, Saturday, May 20th dawned cold and cloudy with a chance of rain, heavy at times. But the lineup, which included Hiss Golden Messenger and Iron & Wine, and the price (free) made it too tempting. So we suited up and made the journey to Bushwick, where the festival was held on the same colorful street as the House Of Yes.
As we arrived, it started to rain but, to the organizer’s credit, we were greeted by cheerful volunteers - even the security guards were friendly - and a lively, professional layout that made us feel welcome. Granted, the crowd was probably smaller than they expected and they might have just been happy to see anybody!
The street was lined with sponsor’s booths and food trucks, but we continued on as we could see Pom Pom Squad had already started their set. They rain was getting heavier but singer-songwriter-guitarist Mia Berrin and her crack band were bringing it, ripping through her catchy indie-pop-rock songs at full force. They played many songs from 2021’s fine Death Of A Cheerleader, giving them even more dynamism than the studio versions. Berrin had terrific stage presence, too: bouncy, fun, and vulnerable, as the songs required. The guitarist also threw great shapes as he peeled off expert leads, adding to the experience. It was impossible to be upset about my wet feet after such a delightful show.
The weather put paid to the food trucks, unfortunately, but we had no trouble finding a tasty Vietnamese spot to get lunch and dry off. By the time we got back to the stage, we had missed Kamauu’s set, which was too bad, but we were right on time for the Mental Health in the LGBTQ+ Community panel discussion. Sound Mind showed their organizing expertise here, too, with a great group of speakers, including Berrin, Brian Trager, Lindsay Mottola, and Gaela Solo, respectively a psychologist for Williamsburg Therapy Group, a social worker for Brooklyn Community Pride, and the Hotline Quality Assurance Coordinator for Trans Lifeline. Berrin had some great ideas, as when she addressed the sheer inability of some people to simply behave around people in this community, saying: “We need children’s shows for adults. Modeling how to be a better friend, a better community member…” to which Trager interjected “Mr. Rogers for adults!” No joke. Berrin also noted that when she needs help, “Rather than wondering when someone will be there for me, I try to be what I need for someone else.” Solo also recommended an approach for finding your people, no matter who you are: “Keep going towards the things that matter to you - not only in the LGBTQ community, but politics, art, science…keep going and you will get closer.” All of us in that room felt a little closer when the meeting ended, whether those who were LGBTQ + or those who, like me, are merely allies.
It was time for coffee and Google maps pointed us towards The Nook, surely one of Bushwick’s finest. The rain was actually concerningly harsh on the way there but once inside, the Java and pastries were choice and vibe was equally good. It got even better when I went to look up something on Spotify and found myself being offered the virtual Aux. I jumped on and, from behind the shield of anonymity, regaled my fellow denizens with an eclectic mix including Gary Wright, Dennis Coffee (lol), Massive Attack, and more.
Eventually, it was time to head back out and, fortunately, the rain had tapered to a reasonable tempo. We got a spot right at the front and watched Hiss Golden Messenger and crew reset the stage. Once everything was ready, frontman M.C. Taylor strummed a few chords on his acoustic guitar, the rest of the band joined in, instantly locked into a groove only the most road-hardened groups can master. Not having seen them in a few years, I was even more impressed by the interaction and joy they showed on stage. These guys - Chris Boerner (guitar), Alex Bingham (bass), Nick Falk (drums), and Sammy Fribush (keyboards) - should all be household names in houses that care about skilled, impassioned musicianship. They are in mine!
The only acknowledgment Taylor made of the driving rain was to note, “This is kind of crazy…but also kind of perfect.” The only imperfect part was the vocals, which were mixed too low despite ample calls from the audience to bring them up. Other than that it was a great set, although of festival length so no 13-minute version of Like A Mirror Loves A Hammer, as you will find here. Hiss Golden Messenger just announced a new album and tour - make sure both are firmly on your radar.
We decided to stay put to keep our spot for Iron & Wine, who was closing out the show. As we watched them dismantle all the Hiss gear and replace it with almost nothing, I said to my daughter, “I think Sam Beam (who effectively is Iron & Wine) is performing a solo set.” I was correct, as by the time they were done, there was one mic and three acoustic guitars on stage. After a few remarks from a city councilwoman and Sound Mind’s executive director, Iron & Wine was introduced and then there he was. While I don’t go all the way back to the beginning, I’ve been a fan since 2004 when I saw In Good Company, the Topher Grace/Dennis Quaid film that featured several Iron & Wine songs on the soundtrack. That’s a stretch of nearly 20 years of listening without laying eyes on the man himself.
Playing a set that ranged across his career, Beam proved to be a charming eccentric on stage, making many witty remarks - and the occasional inside joke - while enrapturing the crowd with his honeyed tenor and dazzling guitar technique. I was riveted by his hands as time and again I had trouble connecting what they were doing to the sounds that emanated from the stage. Ghost notes, percussive strikes, and intricate patterns wove a multicolored accompaniment for each song. I wasn’t the only one who was captivated by his playing. At one point, I glanced to my left and saw M.C. Taylor watching the stage, his eyes seemingly laser-focused on Beam’s hands. I’m not sure if Taylor also witnessed Beam’s jaw-dropping beatboxing solo, but the crowd went crazy!
Beam is at a curious point in his career, with six years gone by since Iron & Wine’s last album of original songs and an enduring focus on releasing (often quite wonderful) collections of archive materials. But he seemed completely engaged, delighted by the audience and inhabiting each song as if every word still counted. It was a privilege to see him, especially as he doesn’t tour extensively. Connecting the person to the songs I’ve been listening to for so long is sure to deepen my experience of the music. He has a few dates coming up this year - grab tickets as they are all likely to sell out in advance.
The rain had calmed down during Iron & Wine’s performance, but without a dry place to sit and eat we still bypassed the tantalizing food trucks and found some excellent Mexican down the street. Even though we were still damp as we scarfed our tacos and Jarritos, we were warmed by the great music and community found in Bushwick that day. Here’s hoping the Sound Mind Festival returns next year!
From the archives:
Record Roundup: Americana The Beautiful
Autumn Albums, Part 1
Hiss Golden Messenger Holds Back The Flood
Long Time Coming
Best Of 2014 (Part 2)