There was a time in my younger years when I gave little attention to opening acts at shows. I would come in late, shortly before the headliner hit the stage, perhaps catching a song or two of the end of their set. Occasionally I would be struck by an interesting sound and take heed of the performer on stage, but often I was solely focused on the main act coming next. Many people follow this equation, as venues are rarely filled until shortly before the lights dim for the star of the night.
Somewhere along the way, I started shifting this habit. Somewhere along the way, I discovered that the opening acts are more than a preview—they are a door to new discoveries. As a result, I have become dedicated to making it to venues for the full show. In arriving early, I have discovered many new loves in the field of music. I have had the honor of seeing huge acts when they were just a small blip on the larger music scene’s radar.
Back in March, I had the opportunity to cover the Trevor Hall show at the Agora Theater. (read the article here) I knew absolutely nothing about the names that were set to hit the stage before him. When the second act walked onto the stage, I was instantly intrigued by their striking appearance—fully clad in caballero outfits. As I took in the stage around them, my curiosity grew with the diverse montage of instruments that filled the space. And as they began to play, I instantly fell in love with their sound and energy.
Dirtwire drove home a mystical set that took the audience on a trip through sounds of the world and journeys of the mind. The audience didn’t stop moving from the first note to the last. Their unique and diverse instrumentation created a melding of sounds and styles, making them truly distinct in a world of music where trends tend to lead the pack. Their incredible chemistry added to the experience as they played off of one another, revealing a deep connection and mutual understanding.
Consisting of long-time friends and musical nomads, Evan Fraser, David Satori and Mark Reveley, Dirtwire fits firmly outside any musical box, label or genre. There is no single name or term to encompass the breadth of their sound. The instruments they employ in their music will take you around the world to diverse cultures and into creative imaginations of sound. The addictive and powerful rhythms and melodies they create will incite moves your body never knew you could create, while your mind expands to encompass the energy and exploration of a unity found within the diversity of sound.
When I saw their name cross the calendar at the Beachland Ballroom, I knew I had to see them again. Dirtwire will be providing Northeast Ohio with an opportunity to join their wandering musical caravan tomorrow evening, Wednesday, September 4th. Doors open at 7pm, show begins at 8pm. Bypass Circuit is their opening act.
I look forward to taking another journey of musical intrigue led by these inventive musical troubadours. I also look forward to discovering the artist that will begin the musical voyage on the stage before them. Anybody who loves to move to groovy, funky sound amidst the most unique forms of musical exploration should find their way to the Beachland Ballroom tomorrow night.