The crunchy metal blues riffs on the Mule opener, 'Mister Man,' hinted that Haynes saved the real heat for his own band’s set, though, and the cutting, trick-step riffing on 'Lola Leave Your Light On' proved that all eyes were on the man with the guitar. Todd Snider’s 'Sideshow Blues' proved that where there’s smoke, there’s fire, as Warren Haynes came out for the last two numbers, quietly smoldering on Dylan’s 'It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry,' but adding some beautiful slide work to a faithful singalong of the Beatles’ 'Dear Prudence.'

His solo on 'Steep Grade, Sharp Curves' finished with a flourish before leaving an open space for Adam Aijala’s sweet vocals on the Yonder Mountain chestnut, 'Left Me in a Hole,' and Dave Johnston worked both the crowd and his banjo into a frenzy on the more frenetic 'Too Late Now.' While 'Deep Pockets' swung, 'Mental Breakdown' smoked, and the band’s showcase of Jim Lauderdale’s 'Red Bird' showed off both the band’s instrumental chops and near-perfect vocal harmonies. Mandolinist Jeff Austin did most of the talking through the first few numbers, both verbally and musically. On 'To Let,' Rudd showed just how much noise one man can make with a few quiet, campfire instruments, sending sparks flying as he threw a monstrous log onto the song’s soft, glowing interlude and exploded into a huge, towering inferno to close his set.Ĭolorado’s Yonder Mountain String Band let its fire burn more slow and steady but occasionally kicked up a few of their own sparks with their Rocky Mountain breed of Appalachia. The deep, southern slide of 'Lila' broke open into a quiet, pensive space where Rudd’s mournful voice could explore until a bouncing, locomotive rhythm and wailing harmonica got the crowd’s knees jerking and feet moving. Opening with 'Conceal Me,' Rudd moved through the breadth of his catalog, injecting melodies into the thudding rattle and buzz of acoustic guitar and didgeridoo before opening up to let his guitar scream and sing over stomp-box beats. Opener Xavier Rudd’s aboriginal blues stomped through the Norva like ritualistic bodies around the fire, warming the crowd with heavy organic grooves and spirited vocals. Gov't Mule, Yonder Mountain String Band and Xavier Rudd offered up one more in the cushy confines of Norfolk, VA's Norva, however, and if this year's annual musical gatherings can match this six-hour indoor blowout, it may take a heavy winter to cool off the campgrounds of America. As summer approaches, live music fans have plenty of outdoor options to warm up for the coming festival season.

Xavier rudd conceal me