Live from Beachland Ballroom: The Head And The Heart

Last night The Head And The Heart returned to Cleveland (after their summer show with The Decemberists) at the Beachland Ballroom. If a single person walked in to the venue with a doubt in their mind about how the night was going to go, I am positive they left with a desire to be the seventh member of the band, or at the very least a permanent groupie. In any case, the show was phenomenal and easily one of the best I have seen in 2011. The small venue, voted best live music scene in Cleveland, provided an intimate setting of less than 200 people. Yet again, another reason why indie concerts are some of the best - the audience is practically serenaded by the band. The openers, The Devil Whale followed by Thao with The Get Down Stay Down, set the stage for an evening of high expectations.

2011 has been a big year for the band as they signed with Seattle's Sub Pop Records, released their self titled album and headlined their own tour. And this is just the beginning.

A highlight of the evening was when both opening bands joined TH&TH on stage for an incredible version of "Lost in My Mind" - my personal favorite. As if the 45-minute set wasn't enough, the encore performance of "Gone" had everyone in the audience singing along and tapping their feet. For anyone who enjoys folk music, singer/songwriters, quality entertainment or talented musicians, then this lineup is a top choice. And the best part? Everyone in the band was super chill and went out of their way to mingle with fans afterward. Josiah even rocked a fan's Browns' hat for a brief period of time during the show. Five stars in my book.

Listen to The Head And The Heart here.