Singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Samantha Fish brought her BulletProof Tour to the Epic Event Center in Green Bay, WI this past week. Making my way into the venue, I could hear stories being exchanged of how many shows others have been to throughout Samantha’s career. Joining in on the conversations, many smiled telling me every show is a new experience. That was an understatement. I felt my mind and body come alive with the energy she brought the moment she stepped into the spotlight.
From the vocal riffs, range, and skillful guitar play, she can really do it all while making it look easy. And by easy, I mean swapping guitars in and out between songs while perfectly blending rock, blues, and soul. Easy, right? Even having little to no knowledge of the guitar world, I was in awe of the beautiful collection and how she could make the guitar sound explosive and elegant simultaneously. Fish showcased an incredible performance of her signature track “Bulletproof” while giving the crowd a softer acoustic rendition of Charley Patton’s “Jimmy Lee Blues, Part 1”.
The formidable band accompanying her was Ron Johnson on bass guitar, bringing that rich and warm tone. Along with superb keyboardist Mickey Finn and drummer Jamie Douglass. As the stop at the Epic Event Center drew to a close, she demonstrated why fans continue to follow her journey as she pours her heart and soul into every performance. She gave everyone a reminder of how music can bring people of all ages together. A reputation of being a true musical force and powerhouse that came through from start to finish.
Opening up the evening was the duo known as Sgt. Splendor. The chemistry between the pair, Kate Vargas and Eric McFadden, was felt immediately. Being back in Wisconsin was much more than another stop on the tour as they originally met at a song-writing retreat in Sturgeon Bay, WI, roughly 45 minutes from The Epic Event Center. From Eric’s masterful guitar play to Kate’s euphonious voice, the audience was enamored as they rose to their feet. While they both already had impressive solo resumes before joining forces, there was something special about seeing their styles blend so well on stage. You could feel the joy they have from being able to create together and share it with the world. Arriving early to catch these two is a must. The buzz around the crowd was a perfect way to kick off the evening.
