A Night with The Civil Wars

About a year and a half ago, Sean came home and told me about a co-write he’d just had with a guy named John Paul White.  He described John Paul as being very nice, super talented, and a Johnny Depp look-a-like.  I listened to the song they wrote, flipped-out, and ooohed-and-awwwed over this man’s voice. A few months later Sean told me about The Civil Wars, a new duo featuring John Paul and a woman named Joy Williams.  At Sean’s prompting, I listened to some of their stuff and was immediately blown away.  At night I began falling asleep to their record and pretending I could sing harmonies like that in my head.  Within months, they were playing Jay Leno, touring around the world, and selling out every single show.

Monday night, Sean had the honor of opening for The Civil Wars and it. was. awesome.  If you're unfamiliar with their music, you should watch this video and send me a Thank You card in the morning.   

But, back to Monday…

We left town around noon and headed to Alabama.  The van was packed with five band members, three other friends, and me.   When we reached Florence, the girls and I decided to leave the guys at sound check and walk around town.  The downtown area was charming and quaint. 

I found this awesome ring for $12

and Jessica found her new calling… modeling hats.

She looked so good in them it kind of made me sick…

Anyhoo, back to The Civil Wars.

After shopping, dinner, and some time backstage, it was time for the show and we eagerly took our seats in the front section of the sold out Shoals Theatre. 

Sean took the stage at 7:00.  The guys put on an incredible show and the crowd loved it.  I especially loved listening to the women next to me discuss how they wanted to “put Sean in their pocket, take him home, and lock him in their house.”  When the set was over, Sean came and sat beside me and the looks on their faces were priceless.  All at once they realized I’d heard their entire conversation and they leaned over and admitted to Sean what they’d said.  It was hilarious and the entire row bonded.

By 8:15 The Civil Wars took the stage and I was amazed.  Their performance was flawless, organic, and arresting.  With just two voices and a guitar, they had the entire theater on the edge of their seats. Their harmonies, melodies, and stage presence were absolutely captivating.  My eyes never moved from the stage and I left even more obsessed than when I arrived.  AND to top it all off, John Paul and Joy are as nice as they are talented and it was a blast getting to speak with them after the show.

A few hours later we were back on the road again and making a sleepy, but very entertaining drive back to Nashvegas. 

Here is a picture of Sean, John Paul, and Joy.  Sean posted it on twitter and the caption was, “Looks like I’m in the middle of a civil war.”  Gosh, he’s clever.



Long story short, The Civil Wars are awesome and you should go see them live if you ever have the opportunity.

Until then, if you haven't already, go to their website, http://www.thecivilwars.com/ , download their FREE live show at Eddie's Attic, and prepare to have your face melt off.

Much Love,

Mae Mae