Tom Brosseau and John C. Reilly photo by Kate Rentz

The New L.A. Folk Festival put together a cozy Louvin Brothers tribute show at HM157 featuring covers of Louvin classics by an array of L.A. folk-inspired bands. Fort King started the night off a little rocky by cutting a song in the middle when singer Ryan Fuller could not hear his guitar, but the crowd would have preferred he just play through to keep the vibe magical and not stall. When you’re only playing two songs, it seems like you gotta be a trooper and keep the people smiling. Then a helicopter arrived, hovering right over HM157 as they arrested some bad guys in the lot next door. Fort King refused to play until the chopper took off after a while and then the duo finally performed. Then the chopper returned! But Emily Lacy stepped up to the mic anyway because it was the right thing to do and played with the helicopter adding harmony to her yodels. It was beautiful and the crowd was really touched. Olentangy John followed in true grit form and the night continued with sweet renderings of Louvin Brothers genius by Wimberley Bluegrass Band—one of the most amazing family bands you’ll ever get to see, so catch them while they’re still underage. Robert Waller of I See Hawks In L.A. brought Tony Gilkyson out on stage with him and they repped the old timers in style. Jenny O was joined by Sean Watkins and Leslie Stevens on stage, which provided a treat of pretty voices. RT N’ The 44′s wowed the crowd with their homemade instruments and good looks. The Driftwood Singers took a request for “Knoxville Girl” and ya know a song about murder never sounded so sweet. Stone Darling filled the stage with lady glamor and more female power was stirred up by The Chapin Sisters, who let their voices rise to the heavens where sinners turn out to be good people. Finally Tom Brosseau and John C. Reilly capped an amazing night off with great harmonizing and humor. Brosseau’s voice reached uncanny heights! Everyone agreed that this night was special. It was more than just a concert. It felt like an experience. We were transported by the visuals and the music and the environment and the funny delivery of a story by the hostess about Charlie Louvin, Johnny Cash, and crackers. All this makes me look forward to anything The New L.A. Folk Fest does. I hear that’s their specialty. And the free O.N.E. coconut water cocktails and Metl Tequila were an bonus! I only wish there were a CD of the night’s music so we could repeat this over again.

—Tiff Reldon