Review and Photos by Stephen Bloch
On Saturday evening, a rising star of country/Americana music, West Virgina’s Sierra Ferrell, took over the historic Riverside Theater in Milwaukee, WI. And by take over, she captured the hearts, ears, and eyes of everyone there. This show was originally scheduled for the equally historic Pabst Theater, but made the leap to the much larger venue, which also sold out. Every seat was full even for the opener, Cat Clyde. The crowd had what I would describe as an indie vibe, with tats, ripped jeans, and piercings, but wearing a cowboy hat. Anyone who likes a mix of country, bluegrass, folk, or jam fit right in and Sierra made everyone feel welcome with her charm and positivity. Her backing band definitely had the Americana vibe down, with the four men wearing matching chambray denim shirts, ties, and slacks, only deviating on their western hats. Clearly, Sierra is the center of attention here, with her fringe and embroidered garb and LOTS of rhinestones followed by a feathered getup with even more bedazzling.
The show contained a heavy dose of material from her 2024 release Trail of Flowers including standout sing-a-long tracks “Silver Dollar Bar”, “Fox Hunt”, and “Wish you Well”. Sierra slipped off stage for moment after “I Could Drive You Crazy” while the band gave its nod to Milwaukee with “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me)” Sierra reappeared with a plume and bow and arrow, which she shot at the backdrop, revealing a new Kabuki drop. Yes, theatrics in a countryish show!
Covers were an integral part of the show, with The Osborn Brother’s “Lonesome Feeling”, Arthur Smith Trio’s “Chittlin’ Cookin’ Time in Cheatham County”, and a serious barnburner in Sierra’s version of Charlie Poole and the North Carolina Ramblers’ song “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”. The encore included Kris Kristopherson’s “Me and Bobby McGee”.
Sierra Ferrell’s stock is on the rise. She’s a festival headliner and selling out across the states. Her look and sound have an edge that lends itself to a melting pot of music fans. One thing is for sure: they all know how to come dressed for the occasion, tap their boots and sing-a-long.
Opening for Sierra was Ontario,CA, Cat Clyde, who played a robust 45 minute set of blues, folk, and soul. Her rich guitar tones (both electric and acoustic) definitely made new fans.
