Written by Bill Whiting
Photos by Scott Preston
The Lumineers’ June 4 concert at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio was full of buoyant, engaging moments showcasing their 2012 chart topping album. The Denver, Colorado ensemble put on a great show, beginning with the call and response sing- a- long, “Submarines.” Lead singer Wesley Schultz demonstrated commanding stage presence as he strummed his acoustic guitar, and belted out the lyrics to “Flowers in Your Hair.” Stelth Ulvang and Neyla Pekarek contributed dynamic backing vocals to the hit single, “Ho Hey.” It was an exhilarating return to form as The Lumineers tore through the folk inspired rap of the Bob Dylan classic, “Subterranean Homesick Blues.” Bassist Ben Wahamaki provided the bottom end that glued together the compositions, “Classy Girls” and “Dead Sea.” Schultz was in peak form all night, and the soft spoken troubadour pushed his vocal range to it’s limits on the cool summer evening’s highlight, “Slow it Down.” “Charlie Boy” and “Darlene” featured multi instrumentalist and drummer, Jeremiah Fraites. Fraites’ percussion talents drove The Lumineers’ show ending one-two punch of “Stubborn Love” into “Flapper Girl.” The Lumineers encored at Riverbend Music Center on June 4 with two more audience participation numbers, “Morning Song” and “Big Parade.” It was a magical night to remember.
