Billy Strings Concert Review | Clarkston, Michigan (10.05.24)

Walking through the parking lot of Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, before any concert is undoubtedly an experience. Tailgating fans, sharing drinks, repping their concert merchandise, playing music over the speakers to prepare for a great night of music, and dancing are par for the course. However, not every pre-concert tailgate involves vendors selling food out of the back of their trailers, artists selling homemade shirts, bracelets, and flower crowns, and a community of people sharing their love for an artist. Billy Strings fans put together their pre-concert shakedown, full of artists and vendors, and have many good vibes. The Shakedown set the perfect tone for what would end up being an unforgettable night of music.

Billy Strings is no stranger to Michigan concerts, but back-to-back sold-out shows at Pine Knob are incredibly meaningful to the Lansing native. Strings kicked off the tour for his newest album, ‘Highway Prayers,’ released via Reprise Records less than two weeks before this show. The album became the first bluegrass album to hit number one on the Billboard Top Sales chart since 2002 and sold 19,000 units in its first week (impressive in the streaming era), but that wasn’t even the most exciting thing that happened to Strings ahead of his back-to-back home state shows. Earlier in the week, Strings rushed home to Michigan from Buena Vista, Colorado, to be with his wife as they welcomed a baby boy into their family. On top of that, Strings also celebrated his 32nd birthday! After such an exciting week, Strings and his band came on stage firing on all cylinders.

The show ran nearly three hours (including a brief intermission). The five-piece band consisted of Strings on guitar (occasionally swapping to a banjo), Billy Failing on banjo, Jarrod Walker on mandolin, Royal Mast on upright bass, and Alex Hargreaves on fiddle. Watching this group perform bluegrass was an unforgettable experience. They transitioned seamlessly from solo to solo, moved from one song to another with the simple nod of a head as a signal, and truly communicated through their music. While Billy Strings is the frontman of the ensemble, the whole experience of these concerts happens when the five of them gel together.

Strings is an artist who doesn’t repeat a setlist on back-to-back nights, so fans have no idea what to expect when walking in. The show started with “In the Clear” from his latest album before going into a cover of “Ashland Breakdown” by Bill Monroe (who is widely known as the father of Bluegrass). Whether the band was on a five+ minute stretch of jamming out or Billy was belting his lyrics, fans were on their feet for every moment.

While bluegrass is the core of this band’s sound, there is a flare in their performances that makes it something completely unique. The energy of the performance is captivating, with an almost psychedelic feel as things flow seamlessly together. Every note and chord just tickles the brain so perfectly that you can’t help but smile and tap your foot along. It’s even more fun watching, knowing that no two shows are the same. Every improvisational moment is entirely unique.

Strings honored bluegrass by covering a handful of songs, too, while, of course, putting his own spin on them. Before covering John Hartford’s “All Fall Down,” Strings proclaimed that only three things matter, “You guys, John Hartford, and this place.” He also included a Doc Watson Family cover with “Hold the Woodpile Down.” The covers of old-school bluegrass with Strings’ own flare were the perfect tribute to the genre while also showcasing Strings and his band and what they are doing for music with their skills and souls.

With the release of ‘Highway Prayers’ and the first week of its success, the band included the live debut of two songs from the album. The first, “Happy Hollow,” felt like an old-style country bluegrass song with a twangy guitar and deep vocal range. Next, “The Beginning of the End” was the perfect encore song as Billy sang out:

“This is the beginning of the end. If there’s anyone around you, throw an arm around a friend.”

The lyrics closed out an incredible night of music and people coming together to celebrate human connection. My only hope after this show is that everyone can experience a space as welcoming, energetic, and carefree as a Billy Strings concert.

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