by Mike Lisching
Sierra Hull lit up Felton Music Hall on Saturday night with a performance that was both technically masterful and emotionally resonant. In a special, intimate performance in between shows on the Outlaw Music Festival with Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan. She was supported by an incredible band including Shaun Richardson (guitar), Avery Merritt (fiddle), Erik Coveney (bass), and Mark Raudabaugh (drums). The cozy venue amongst the Redwoods was the perfect backdrop for an artist whose music balances innovation with tradition.
Early in the set, “Let’s Go” got the room moving and from there it was hard to stand still as the band traded solos across a variety of original music. In a break from the revelry, she covered “Mad World”, before closing the set with the high-energy, “Stomping Grounds”.
Throughout the evening, Hull’s presence was as magnetic as her playing — gracious, grounded, and completely in the moment. She spoke between songs with warmth and humor, reflecting on life on the road and the stories behind her music. From her song about her granny, the “Spitfire” to the song written in the “Best Buy” parking lot, the moments in between songs were as authentic and connecting as the music itself.
This was a special night in the Santa Cruz mountains. Sold out with good reason, it’s unlikely there will be too many more shows of this size for the rising bluegrass star.
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