Sounds of a Professional

I've heard a good bit of live music through the years. It's almost always been earnest, usually fun, and sometimes the promise of something bigger. But what I heard last Wed. at the Village Tavern in Mount Pleasant was professional. It was standing out from the crowd.

You know how these things work, right? You get in for a small cover, stand around and wait for the opening act to start (it's always late) and you try to find a spot you can stake out. And then if you're me, you think about how late it is and what you have to do tomorrow and how happy that there's now no smoking in bars and restaurants anymore and maybe, how you wish you wore flats, but yes, the boots are just too great to not wear. And then you wait a little more, trying not to look like you came too early.

But when Sarah Lee and Johnny came on stage, things were different. It wasn't live music, it was a concert. And Vetiver was backing them up. Lots of people on one tiny stage. Tight harmonies, great songwriting, and a full sound that made it feel like this was a night to remember. Even if your feet hurt and it was late for a week night. This was a moment not to be missed (especially since I was sharing it with my great friend Holly).

If you want to know who they are and learn a little about them, read my article in Charleston Scene that gives you the scoop. Hint: Sarah Lee's last name is Guthrie.