It’s been a few weeks since the stars aligned for The Elovators, and their “Tahoe Takeover” concert series. Before I go any farther, I need to be perfectly honest. I was not familiar with The Elovators previous to buying the tickets. As an old school Dave Matthews Band follower, I am definitely a live music connoisseur. So I did my homework, and armed myself with some favorites. Who doesn’t love to sing along and dance? The Elovators showed their versatility to ignite a celebration in both outdoor and indoor venues.
The first show at The Hangar in South Shore, gave the experience I hoped for. Wow! Nothing better than live music under the Tahoe trees, with plenty of space, and a chill friendly crowd. Since this was my first show with The Elovators, and I was alone, and I sat in the back with my blanket on a picnic table. Call it market research if you will. Some friendly locals came and sat down with me, and we grooved together as the sun went down. Folks, this would later be a sign of good times ahead. The Elovators not only bring love through their music, but their fans are, for lack of a better term, “rad.”
The next two shows with The Elovators would prove to be just as memorable. Held at Crystal Bay Casino in The Crown Room, my attention was drawn to an important detail. The natural wood beam ceiling. This notable structural design would add an acoustic depth to an already talented band of musicians. As I watched the band members play under those old beams, I thought to myself, “This is a vantage point with The Elovators I will never see again” I knew at that moment, they would soon be performing in the large venues that I am used to. With thousands and thousands of people. But that night, I was close enough to feel the glow between an artist and their craft. Interestingly, I later learned that previous to the “Tahoe Takeover” concert series, The Elovators sold out Red Rocks in Colorado before heading to the Tahoe basin. IN other words, my instincts about this band were spot on.
Interestingly, the original “Tahoe Takeover” was scheduled for earlier this year. But due to a surprise snow storm, all shows were cancelled. It’s notable the band still showed up for the Cali crowd at a later date, especially coming off the performers high of a Red Rocks success. The Elovators clearly love their fans, and their fans love them back. The North Shore crowd was excited and engaged. On the way into the venue, a man in line was holding a giant silk sunflower. Of course I commented, because it was cool and happy. “I like your sunflower!” He then smiled and responded with, “It’s my wife’s.” Later during the show, and to the right of the stage, that same giant sunflower waved around in time to the music. To the left of the stage, another fan fed floating bubbles to the air above us.
Live music is sacred, a necessity for many like myself. It awakens something inside of us, quiets our mental noise, and gives reprieve during troubling times. For these three “Tahoe Takeover” shows, I stuck to my usual plan. Sing along with the crowd and dance with a beer in my hand. Also, If I spilled beer on your shoes, I’m sorry! I was just in the moment, because that’s what good live music is supposed to do.
P.S. Hey Elovators! When you come back from “Boston” for your next stop in Cali, shoot your girl some tickets! Cause I got “Bills To Pay”, and it would be “Criminal” to miss your next show. Please, “Gimme Love” and I will pay you in “A Pocket Full Of Sand.”
