Having seen Dana Falconberry more than a dozen times, it’s astounding that she can still inspire in me wonder and awe with each performance. This is especially notable considering that I see six to eight bands perform on average each week. At Stubb’s this past Thursday night, I wasn’t the only one in awe.
After the room slowly filled and a sizable crowd formed on a mid-week evening, concertgoers proceded to observe the performance enrapt, slowly growing more and more quiet until the room became so silent it could have been frozen in time. No whispers, not even the clink of a beer bottle. So quiet you had to be there to believe it. I don’t even know how this was possible in a live music venue in the often difficult to impress city of Austin, where even interested fans frequently chatter throughout a set. A feat only achievable by a songwriter as captivating and magical as Dana Falconberry.
Each time I see her, some new detail feels richer than ever before; on Thursday, the harmony between Falconberry, Karla Manzur, and Gina Dvorak that ends “Crooked River,” a song I’ve heard thirty times or more, felt heart-stoppingly beautiful. This sort of momentary, ephemeral treasure is why one sees live music, and Dana Falconberry consistently delivers this kind of reward. As another added bonus excellent bassist Michael McLeod from Good Field joined the band to round out the rhythm section that also includes the talented Matthew Shepherd. Lindsey Verrill added her lovely string parts, and the band sounded as impeccable as ever.
New songs “Dolomite” and “Cormorant,” which have become live staples in recent months, are among the best Falconberry has written. I can hardly stand the thought of waiting what may be a year before the next record drops, but when it does, it will be well worth the wait.
Buxton, who played before Falconberry, was a perfect fit, and a bill containing these two bands has been a long time coming. An energetic alt-country band hailing from Houston, Buxton is a stark contrast from many of the bands from the area. The group recently lost member Haley Barnes who relocated to Austin and began working on a project with romantic interest Chase Weinacht of Marmalakes. Her presence and vocals were sorely missed on Thursday, but the band still delivered excellently crafted songs. 
Frontman Sergio Trevino always rocks onstage as he earnestly delivers impassioned lyrics. Buxton has a Houston date on April 20th and will be one of the few Houston bands selected to play this year’s outstanding Free Press Summer Fest.
When I headed out on a Thursday evening, I didn’t expect to be so profoundly rewarded, but that’s what live music is all about. If you haven’t seen Dana Falconberry, you should. The band has nothing scheduled at the moment, but keep your eyes and ears open—we’ll let you know when they do.
All photos © Bryan Parker and Pop Press International. Click any image to open the set in slideshow viewer.
