Hearts on their sleeves, The Avett Brothers joyfully bring True Sadness to The Mann

The Avett Brothers | Photo by Hope Helmuth for WXPN | hopehelmuth.com

Despite the threat of rain and thunderstorms, The Mann Center filled with committed fans prepared for Saturday evening’s concert by The Avett Brothers. They arrived in rain coats and trash bags in anticipation of a soaking.

The night began with a set from Chatham County Line, which laid a traditional bluegrass lifeline that the Avett Bros. were sure to grab hold of and amplify as they took stage.

With the weather surprisingly clear and fans ready, the Avetts took the stage. Scott performed “Murder in the City” solo, beginning a long night of dynamic music. Touching on their new record True Sadness, due out June 24th, the band played the title track as well as the thumping new single “Ain’t No Man.”

As always, they wove a heartfelt and honest tapestry of American struggle and joy that kept the hardworking, loyal fans of Philadelphia eagerly captivated. Aside from the new material, the classics were not neglected – such as “Head Full of Doubt / Road Full of Promise” and the tearjerking “I and Love and You.” The band also welcomed their father, Jim Avett, onstage for a performance of the traditional song “In The Garden.”

As a fan, I thought the show was outstanding as usual. I left the show highly anticipating the new record and feeling as though the hits of The Carpenter and I and Love and You were just as lively and exciting as ever. It has become very clear that when you see They Avett Brothers at any moment, they are sure to give you everything.

Setlist
Murder in the City
Talk on Indolence
Part From Me
Ain’t No Man
Live and Die
Morning Song
Laundry Room
Denouncing November Blue (Uneasy Writer)
True Sadness
I Wish I Was
In the Garden ([traditional] cover) (with Jim Avett)
Le Reel Du Pendu / Les Bars De La Prison
Nothing Short of Thankful
The Once and Future Carpenter
Down With the Shine
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
The Ballad of Love and Hate
Distraction #74
Country Blues (Doc Watson cover)
Living of Love
Kick Drum Heart
Sanguine
I and Love and You

Encore:
Stay All Night (Stay a Little Longer) (Willie Nelson cover)
Slight Figure of Speech
If It’s the Beaches