The Echo: Grand Ole Echo

I last went to the Grand Ole Echo in mid-2019 or over two years ago. I decided it was time to head over again. I was intrigued by the fact that I'd interviewed 3 of the 5 bands on the bill: Balto, Kapali Løng and Emily Rose & The Rounders. 

Opening up the afternoon was Susy Sun and Smith Allen. A duo who put out some folk tunes. The set was a chill way to start off the indoor portion of the afternoon / evening event. The two took turns taking the lead. One moment that one really has to remember is towards the end when Smith Allen left the stage, allowing Susy Sun to play some of her own tunes without his backing. Then the sound guy stated that they only had time for one more song. Susy Sun went with it and played the final song. As she was finishing up, Smith Allen returned from the Green Room and was informed by the band that they were done. 

Susy Sun and Smith Allen

Coming up next was Balto who gave a performance that got the blood going. Their music has a 70s rock / country sound to it that had them holding court on the stage. They used the full stage to put on a memorable set. There was something always going on to catch the eye. Even if they were just stationary, there was movements made; be it via a smile or a tilt of the guitars or a body lean. It just made for a set that captured the imagination of the crowd.

Balto

Kapali Løng hails from Hawaii, but has lived in Los Angeles for 12 years or so. Even though he has lived in Los Angeles for twelve years, he still had the Hawaiian influence. His music has that Hawaiian country vibe. There were more than a few "hang loose" hand signs going up throughout the set. And he ended the set with, "Aloha."

Kapali Long

Closing it up was Emily Rose & The Rounders. I just love the sultry vocals and country tunes. The steel guitar added a distinct sound with those plucks. The steel guitarist also provided a highlight. For one song, he just couldn't get the song started off correctly. It took about four tries, but he finally got things going. At the end of the song, he got some humorist praise from the band.

Emily Rose & The Rounders

In between the indoor sets, CB Brand played short sets out on the patio. They actually changed outfits for the various short sets. They even went shirtless for the final one. The band is photogenic. The drummer was smoking throughout the set (not that I recommend smoking) and puffs of smoke made for unique moments. And the lead singer made some poses for the camera.

CB Brand

I have to mention this: it was freezing in The Echo. The program lasted about 4 hours. I also got there early and so perhaps spent 4 and a half hours mostly inside (some out on the patio). By the time I left, I couldn't feel my finger tips. It took a couple hours at home to finally get the tingling feeling to go away.