The Pour House, a 280-capacity venue in Raleigh, North Carolina, welcomed indie-folk singer/songwriters Field Guide and Taylor Ashton to its stage this past Friday night. The Pour House Music Hall & Record Shop has been a staple of the Raleigh music scene for 27 years where national and local musicians alike come to perform.
Field Guide, the performance name of Dylan MacDonald, hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba and is currently on a fall headlining tour covering more than 30 dates across the United States and Canada. His most recent album, Rootin' For Ya, was released earlier this year in May.
Before the time came for Field Guide to take the stage, the lights dimmed and New York based solo artist and supporting act Taylor Ashton stepped up to the microphone. Beginning with only the strumming of a guitar and his voice, Ashton launched into his first song, immediately grabbing the crowd's attention. What was quickly becoming an engaging performance was brought even more to life when his backing band joined in, lending drums and bass to bring forth the full sound of Taylor's music.
Throughout the show, Ashton told eclectic stories about the meanings behind his songs. From his beginnings as a musician in Vancouver, battling sleep deprivation and busking in the subways of New York City; there's a song, or story, for everyone in his catalogue. By sets end, it was clear that Taylor had put on an unforgettable performance and won the crowd over with not only his talented musicianship, but also his energetic storytelling and relatable anecdotes.
Next the stage began to be set for Dylan MacDonald and his fellow musicians that make up Field Guide when touring, including a small collection of retro-style TV sets which helped to set the vibes for the unique indie-rock performance that was about to be delivered. The group wasted no time launching into melodic instrumentals, soon to be joined by MacDonald's soulful and passionate vocals. This, combined with his energetic movements kept everyone from the bar at the back of the venue to those right at the edge of the stage fully immersed in Field Guide's music.
About halfway through the set, everyone but Dylan took a leave from the stage. After a change of guitars, MacDonald proceeded to perform a couple of intimate songs while solo. These songs were possibly the best received by members of the audience, as you could feel the raw emotion in the Dylan's voice and guitar playing. Once the rest of the band returned, they closed out their set with a few more songs with the last being lively and upbeat that even had some of those in attendance dancing in the crowd.
Field Guide has just under two more weeks of shows left on their current tour and I urge you to see if they will be coming close to your hometown soon!
