By Dan Rozman, Photos by Mark Raker
On October 3rd, 2023, the bluegrass band The Lil Smokies performed at the iconic Birchmere Music Hall in Alexandria, Virginia. The five-piece band originally from Missoula, Montana is best known for their energetic live shows that blend bluegrass, folk, and rock. This was their first time gracing the legendary Birchmere stage.
Composed of Andy Dunnigan (dobro), Jake Simpson (guitar and vocals), Matt “The Rev” Rieger (fiddle), Jean-Luc Davis (upright bass), and Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose (banjo), The Lil Smokies kicked off their set with the upbeat tune “Fortunes.” They went on to showcase an eclectic mix of originals and covers throughout the night. Highlights included “Carry Me, Feathers,” Guy Clark’s “Rain In Durango,” “Ms. Marnie,” “Kansas City,” and a stunning duet between fiddle and dobro on “Mending the Fences.” They also treated the crowd to the new song “Break of the Tide” off their forthcoming album.
Other standouts were funky renditions of The Police’s “Message in a Bottle” and Justin Townes Earle’s “Harlem River Blues.” Of course, they saved some of the best for last – closing the show with an encore of Bob Dylan’s “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue” and their signature tune “Decades.” It was a versatile set that displayed The Lil Smokies’ ability to make any song their own with seamless bluegrass instrumentation.
“We are excited to play for the first time at the Birchmere. It is an honor to play on the stage that so many great bands have graced for over 55 years,” said dobro player Andy Dunnigan.
The Lil Smokies were preceded by the North Carolina bluegrass group Town Mountain. Town Mountain guitarist Robert Greer said, “It’s a treat to play our maiden voyage on stage. This is the first my first time back at the Birchmere in 22 years. We’ve been discussing the Birchmere since this national tour’s first night. Everybody in both bands understands the history of the place. It’s no fluke, that the Birchmere is legendary, the sound is great and everyone here has been extremely hospitable, professional, and welcoming. It’s been like a warm blanket around us the entire time The Birchmere is a fun place to play music with a great atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back.”
This show was part of The Lil Smokies’ ongoing 2023 US tour. Fans can also see them on PBS’s The Caverns Sessions. Their first Birchmere gig undoubtedly left fans eager for the band’s next visit to the DC area. The Lil Smokies’ infectious energy and musical diversity shined in the intimate venue that has hosted legends like Bob Dylan and Lucinda Williams. By blending bluegrass with pop appeal, they are breathing new life into Americana and winning over audiences nationwide.
