The
Spikedrivers – Homegrown, Down-Home, Rock & Roll
Written by Jimmy Cummings
Mention The Spikedrivers anywhere in the Midwest and
immediately you see people’s eyes light up. Jesse Henry and The Spikedriver’s
have an addictive blend Blues, Rock, and Americana that fans seem to flock to.
That is no mistake; The Spikedrivers have assembled one of the best line-ups in
the business, with members: Jesse Henry (Vocals, Acoustic Guitar), Megan Palmer
(Fiddle, Vocals), Steven Fox (Double Bass, Mandolin, and Vocals), John
Boerstler (Guitar), Steve Sweney (Guitar), and Nathan Anders (Drums, Vibes, and
Vocals). In the last month or so I have had the opportunity to witness first
hand why people are so excited when they hear The Spikedrivers are coming to
town.
This was the first time I would get to see the band
perform live on stage was at Canal Street Tavern. I was pretty psyched, especially
after seeing many of Chubby’s videos of the band. But they really didn’t
prepare me for what I witnessed at Canal Street that night. You could see and
feel the excitement build as the band took the stage. Front-man Jesse Henry wasted
little time getting people to the dance floor; it was like watching moths drawn
to a flame, the place came alive. Don’t get me wrong, Jesse has plenty of help.
Fiddle player and vocalist Megan Palmer can draw a crowd too. Palmer has an
intoxicating voice and her fiddle leads blend well with Henry’s charisma and
Sweney’s relentless guitar.
When you watch Steve Sweney play, you can’t help but
get swept away by his amazing talent. When he closes his eyes and rolls his
head back you know you are getting ready to hear something special. Sweney had
a lot of those moments, as did his counterpart John Boerstler. Boerstler can
hold his own; he is a perfect fit and his experience is evident when he and
Sweney exchange leads. Now that is fun to watch. On Double Bass, Steven Fox
provides a consistent rhythm and thumps the bass like no other; plus Steven’s mutton
chops are legendary. Drummer Nathan Anders completes the band; his hard
pounding style drives the beat that is The Spikedrivers. The Spikedrivers took
Canal Street hostage for next couple of hours and mesmerized the audience with one
hell of a Rock and Roll show.
I also was fortunate to the band at Peace Through
the Music Festival as well. The setting was quite different; we were trading in
the confines of the tavern for the beauty of the Zane Shawnee Caverns. The
Spikedrivers were without the services of Sweney and Palmer so I wasn’t sure
what to expect; perhaps the band wouldn’t have the same energy and swagger. I
was wrong; Jesse Henry and the boys lit up the caverns, proving that with or
without the entire band, they can bring it. Their show at Peace Fest was one of
the best of the weekend. So if you are one of the few people in Ohio who have
not heard of The Spikedrivers, I encourage you to get out and see these guys
live; in fact, you can see The Spikedrivers at Tabfest and the Miami Valley
Music and Arts Festival and more. Wherever you decide to see them, you are in
for a GREAT show!
The Spikedrivers - Upcoming Dates
July 22, 2011 - TBA - Tabfest - Mendon, OH
August 04, 2011 - 7PM - Upper Arlington Concert Series - Upper Arlington, OH
August 05, 2011 - 6PM - Friday Happy Hour Rumba Cafe - Columbus, OH
August 06, 2011 - 10PM - Beachland Tavern - Cleveland, OH
August 07, 2011 - NOON - Goodale Park Concert Series - Columbus, OH
August 13, 2011 - 9PM - Miami Valley Music Festival Troy Eagles Campgrounds - Troy, OH
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2011 Reviews and Interviews 
