Photos by Tim Dwenger
On a warm July evening, the Denver Botanic Gardens transformed into a haven for Folk, laid-back Country Soul, and comedy fans, with John Craigie at the helm. Craigie, known for his sharp wit and soulful melodies, brought an intimate yet jovial atmosphere to the serene setting. As the sun faded into the west, the audience settled on blankets and lawn chairs broke out their wine and cheese and prepared to be serenaded amidst the lush flora.
After a most welcome opening set from Langhorne Slim, Craigie kicked off the evening with “Don’t Ask,” and the refrain of “I ain’t old baby, I’m brand new” probably resonated with at least a few of those in attendance. His masterful ability to weave stories with his music was on full display as he drew the crowd into his world with ease and created a sense of closeness despite the open-air and “in the round” style of the venue. Following up with “Rough Johns” and “Part Wolf,” Craigie showcased his knack for combining poignant lyrics with engaging melodies, each song deepening the connection with the attentive crowd.
Midway through the set, Craigie’s comedic chops shone through as he bantered, sharing anecdotes that had everyone chuckling. A standout moment was when Denver’s own resident nutball Andy Frasco joined Craigie for “I Wrote Mr. Tambourine Man,” their chemistry bringing an extra layer of energy and humor to the performance. Craigie’s effortless blend of humor and music is what sets him apart, making the concert feel like a gathering of old friends rather than a performance. At one point I had to turn around to the older couple sitting just behind me and share a knowing smile as they remarked at just how funny he was between fits of laughter. The garden setting, with its vibrant flowers and gentle breeze, added to the relaxed and intimate vibe of the evening.
A highlight of the night was “I Am California,” performed with Langhorne Slim. This song perfectly encapsulates Craigie’s talent for capturing the spirit of a place in his lyrics as the song’s nostalgic undertones struck a chord with many. Craigie closed the main set with “Laurie Rolled Me a J,” leaving the audience in high spirits.
The encore brought a delightful surprise with Langhorne Slim returning to joining Craigie for “Out On the Road” – a song that the two wrote together and just released – and a spirited cover of Blind Melon’s “No Rain.” The well known song’s playful critique of societal norms had everyone smiling and clapping along. As the final notes drifted into the night, the applause echoed through the garden, a testament to the entertainer that Craigie is. Walking out of the Botanic Gardens, there was a shared feeling among fans: when will Craigie be back?
+ There are no comments
Add yours