Upon leaving the third and last night of American Aquarium’s Road Trip to Raleigh, one conclusion was obvious. B.J. Barham really knows how to throw a party. In fact, more than a party, it is a festival. Other bands do special weekend events to be sure, but Barham to his credit goes deep into his rolodex to bring in talent. Every year presents an exceptional lineup of artists to play before American Aquarium comes out to do a two plus hour set. They do these three nights in a row. February second through the fourth of this year were no exception. This was my first time doing the Road Trip to Raleigh. However, when I saw this year’s lineup, I had to make the pilgrimage. Even though I was a first timer, the friend I was with had been before and helped navigate for the best experience (not to mention a few stops at some great breweries). Nothing better than including two vices into one weekend. Now let’s turn our attention to the lineup. Night one featured two bands that have had meteoric success. Alabama’s own Drayton Farley opened things up with a full band set. I have seen Farley three times since he started touring with a band. They have begun to gel with a tight sound. Also, full band version of “Pitchin’ Fits” was even more powerful than the acoustic version. Then 49 Winchester brought their full energy to warm the crowd up for American Aquarium. If you haven’t seen these Russell County Virginia rabble rousers play, it is truly your loss. Night two opened with the amazing songwriter Gabe Lee, “Drink the River” was my favorite song of 2023. During his set, he demonstrated why he is one of the most underrated songwriters of our day. Then he was followed up by a raucous set by Muscadine Bloodline. These Mobile, Alabama natives know get a crowd going off the chain. They were my surprise of the weekend. Night three was the penultimate. It started with Emily Nenni’s Honky Tonk and was followed by Charles Wesley Godwin. This may be the last time I see him as an opener. ( More on Godwin below.)
One of the best experiences came on Saturday. Barham did a solo acoustic show. He has previously held this event at a coffee shop, but this year he went for a little bigger (not exactly big, it was a 150 people) venue at a local Gay/Queer bar, Ruby Deluxe. I had no idea of the surprise he had planned for the event. American Aquarium is soon releasing a new Shooter Jennings produced album. He played the album from beginning to end that morning. I’ll put it this way, I can’t wait until it comes out with full band in tow. The songs were as personal and deep as anything he has ever written. It is almost a certainty that the new album will be exceptional.
Each of the three nights American Aquarium did sets that were over two hours and as high energy as I have ever seen from the band. (I have seen them a lot.) Also, there were virtually no repeat songs. Yes, of course, “I hope He Breaks Your Heart” and “Burn, Flicker, Die” were played each night. The only other repeat I recall was “Katherine Belle” which was played on two nights. (There may have been others, but that is all I recall). “Katherine Belle” was the first song on the 2009 album “Dances for the Lonely”. On Thursday night to get things started, the band honored the 25th anniversary of the album by playing it from beginning to end. It is a classic album and was so cool to see them do it live. A few of the songs they were playing live for the first time in over a decade. It was all even better from there. It seemed is the band exuded more energy on each night. Why was this the case? It is a simple answer. B. J. Barham loves his fans, and that is the whole point of Road Trip to Raleigh.
The venue in Raleigh, Barham’s home base, was the Lincoln Theater, with capacity of less than 1000. That is why I am shocked he was able to get Charles Wesley Godwin to play. Godwin recently sold out two nights at the Ryman and is selling out big venues all over the country. No matter. His friendship with Barham lured him there, and he and his band’s killer set was fit for a stadium. This venue is not only too small for him, it is too small for American Aquarium. Barham’s goal is to create an intimate setting for the fans and the band. He no doubt succeeded. It was my first Road Trip to Raleigh. God willin’ and the creek don’t rise, it won’t be my last.
About the author: Chip and his family live in Birmingham, AL. Roll Tide!