The old adage says that the third time is the charm. Day three of Rock the Shores proved that to be true.
Sunday afternoon began as an inspiring tribute to women who rock. LocalsFox Glove opened the day with a blend of captivating, celestial and ghostly folk while PoCo’s ownChersea won the early afternoon crowd over with her captivating electro-soul. Battling back from having the band’s equipment stolen earlier in the week didn’t seem to phase them much, and Chersea herself was a generous and genuine treat proving she has strength in her honesty and power in her vulnerability.
Hailing from rural Georgia, sister singer/songwritersRising Appalachia were a beautiful cross section of art and activism. Armed with traditional American folk and world fusion(and an appreciated apology from our neighbors to the South for their current administration), Rising Appalachia are a small, bright light of rational compassion in an ever-increasing political and social darkness.
Bedouin Soundclash kicked off the back half of the day with what turned out to be only their second live show in seven years. Their reggae and ska inspired rock was the perfect start to an afternoon that would see nothing but true West Coast vibes until the sun went down.
Allen Stone’s smooth, sly, and funky soul, combined with the glorious summer sun and a slightly forgiving breeze, made you want to take your shoes off, feel the grass between your toes and just relate to everyone around you. Afterwards, bad boyBahamas made us laugh, helped him work out some daddy issues, and left us feeling like we had all the time in the world.
Finally, it was time for the man of the hour; rock and pop legendBrian Wilson. Supported both physically and musically by a cadre of featured performers, Mr. Wilson was jovial and engaging behind his grand piano. Playing the classic Beach Boys hits we grew up with (and some newer material), Wilson and team were a professional and well-oiled machine that have clearly honed their craft with talent, grace, and a joyful sense of humor(and if anyone tells you they saw me crying a little during Surfer Girl they’re totally lying).
Day three of Rock the Shore ended up a laid back, funky, tesla-coil of good vibrations. It was a true pleasure spending time on the lower fields on Sunday watching kids play with their parents and their parent’s parents in the warm summer sunset. Other than Brian Wilson, who else could bridge generations in such a way as to bring us all together for one final night of Rock The Shores? God only knows.
