Summer Camp and Delfest are both awesome destinations guaranteeing music and good times a-plenty. Sometimes, though, you just can’t take up stakes and disappear for three or four days of music. Be it money or responsibilities, sometimes you can’t hit the shows you want to when you want to. I know I was that guy who didn’t go.

That does not mean that you can’t still rage like a champion while staying close to home. I rolled out to Fredrick, MD for a night with fellow Jamwichers Jack and Rachel to watch Pigeons Playing Ping Pong.

My night, however, did not start there at the show. I figured I would head out, hit the town, and see what there was to do until the music started.  In just moments from walking away from the parking lot, I heard some classic rock blaring from down the street. Upon further investigation I find a small trio playing classic rock in the courtyard of a downtown restaurant. For the life of me I can’t tell you who they were but they covered some Zeppelin, a little Floyd, and other seminal rock classics. After a while I felt the need to move on, it may have also been because I saw a crowd forming just little farther down the next street. I had to see what was drawing this crowd. There I came upon an acoustic trio playing some classic country and folk rock standards, as well as some bluegrass. Once all these little distractions came to an end I discovered it was time to head to the bar and catch some Pigeons.

Up to this point I had only heard Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (or “P4” as some people called them that night) online via You Tube and on the “JYB It’s a Musical Life” Facebook page. I looked forward to hearing their self-described electro-funk style live–it was my first night with P4, and I have to say I’m definitely one of “The Flock” now.
These guys played like they were shutting down an arena, not as though they were just rocking out NOLA. With a high energy, fun and interactive performance these guys rocked the audience as hard as any big draw. From fun reliable covers to absolutely phenomenal originals, the band played two awesome sets to a packed house.

I have to admit that even though I envied my friends for getting to see Umphreys, Moe, or Yonder Mountain String Band that weekend, I had as much fun with the Pigeons as I have had seeing any of those guys. As I have said before and I know I will say again “It’s all about the emotion and passion a band puts forth, and the Pigeons put it all out there for the world to see, hear and love.”

As this summer goes on and more festivals and shows come by, be sure if you see Pigeons Playing Ping Pong on the bill take the time, you won’t be disappointed. I promise you, that you also will soon find yourself “Flocking” to see them again.

– G

Catch Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at  July 6, 7, and 8th.  www.healingwatersfarm.com