Nickel Creek Enchants with “Celebrants” and More on Their First Headlining Tour in 9 Years
The progressive bluegrass band delivered a spirited performance Saturday night in Boston.
Beloved Grammy award-winning bluegrass trio Nickel Creek is back from hiatus touring their latest album “Celebrants”. The band created a musical cathedral with a barn as the backdrop Saturday night at the MGM Music Hall Fenway in Boston.
Jeff Picker (bass) joined Nickel Creek’s original members, Chris Thile (mandolin, vocals), Sara Watkins (fiddle, vocals), and Sean Watkins (guitar, vocals) amongst a backdrop portraying a lofty and desolate barn with beams pitched high resembling a chapel. The stage is filled with fog as golden lights cascade across the audience. Silver lights shimmered through the cracks of the barn roof backdrop resembling the light of a full moon.
The show opened with the title track from their new album Celebrants. The stylish four-piece began the song with a simple stomp and clap rhythm. The group’s energy immediately warmed, enveloping the crowd in a state of wide-eyed wonder. Chris Thile’s crisp, familiar voice fills the space, exclaiming: “My God it's good to see you! Right here in the flesh.” Considering this is the trio’s first headlining tour after a 9-year hiatus, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend.
Nickel Creek’s career has spanned over 30 years, 6 albums, 6 Grammy nominations, and one Grammy win for their 2002 album ‘This Side’. The trio is known for their progressive blend of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music. And their live performances are highly regarded for their dynamic interplay, tight arrangements, and improvisational flair. This performance was no exception. The set featured a dazzling ensemble of crowd favorites new and old.
Following “Celebrants”, the band kicked into their breakout instrumental track from 2000, “Ode to a Butterfly”, fluttering into a frenzy of bluegrass excellence.
Sara’s voice captivated with a sultry blend of feathery falsetto and fierce command in “Thinnest Wall”. The crowd chuckled at the lyrics, “My least favorite place to argue is the museum of art, you always seem to linger by the pieces I hate”.
The set list consisted of original compositions and covers, with each member taking turns on lead vocals and instrumentals. The band showcased their impressive instrumental skills and precise vocal harmonies with familiar tunes from previous albums such as, “Destination” from The Dotted Line (2014), “When in Rome” and “Somebody More Like You” from Why Should the Fire Die (2005), “Sabra Girl” and “Smoothie Song” from This Side (2002), “The Lighthouse Song” and “When You Come Back Down” from their self titled album, Nickel Creek (2000).
The crowd was reverent and still, hanging on their every breath. Favoring quiet contemplation and sobering worship, instead of a sing-a-long style celebration. Each member of the band took time to interact with the audience, sharing stories and jokes between songs. Chris referred to the pandemic as “The Great What-Have-You“, a clever nudge to many of the themes tackled in their latest album. And Sean’s story about writing the “21st of May” during the 2012 “Apocolypse That Could Have Been”, brought a sense of lighthearted ease in the crowd. Finally, many began to loosen up and begin dancing to “The Fox”.
Unique moments included the minimal, dissonant, and moody track “Holding Pattern”, resonantly satisfying “To The Airport” in which set opener Gaby Moreno joined on vocal harmonies, and the unpredictably electrifying Mother Mother cover “Hayloft”. These standout performances highlight the band’s ability to consistently surprise with their adventurous and eclectic genre-defying mixes.
The four virtuosos captivated the crowd throughout the night. Between billowing artistic arrangements and improvisational genius, the performance had a spontaneous and dynamic feel.
Following a brief encore to close the night was “Doubting Thomas”, a deeper cut from their discography. It’s a serene acoustic gem that deals with a crisis of faith, summarizing perfectly how we all are faced with fear in an uncertain life.
It’s a thoughtful contrast considering the sentiment of their opening song “Celebrants” in which they sing “Heaven's always been in this cathedral, that we all rebuild nightly together”. To ultimately end the set by confessing to the congregation, “I don't know what's safe, Oh me of little faith” demonstrates a vulnerable testimony that even the most inspirational and profound “Celebrants” can be of doubtful devotion.
Nickel Creek delivered an enchanting live performance that is a must-see for fans of bluegrass, folk, and acoustic music. Their skilled musicianship, progressive arrangements, and engaging stage presence make for an unforgettable concert experience.
Get tickets here, and read on for more details including remaining tour dates.
Setlist:
Celebrants
Ode To A Butterfly
Destination
Strangers
When in Rome
Scotch & Chocolate
Thinnest Wall
When You Come Back Down (Tim O’Brien cover)
This Side
Elephant in the Corn
Holding Pattern
Hayloft (Mother Mother cover)
The Lighthouse's Tale
Cuckoo's Nest
21st of May
Sabra Girl
To The Airport
…Despite The Weather
Somebody More Like You
Where the Long Line Leads
The Fox
Encore:
Smoothie Song
New Blood
Doubting Thomas