Saturday night, March 26, 2011, Wilbert’s Food & Music was filled with what they are best known for… great music. Thornapple Ave and Rachel Roberts, both from Akron, joined The Whispering Tree, visiting from New York, to provide an evening of musical splendor. The three performances were perfectly matched to one another with melodic melodies and beautiful insights pouring from the mouths and hands of each person on stage. A beautiful union of amazing music graced the ears of every soul who happened through the doors of this gem of a venue in downtown Cleveland.
The night began with the simple, satisfying tunes of Thornapple Ave. Returning to the stage after a two-year hiatus, these gentleman provided insightful songs that engaged their audience. Their performance mixed a folk sound with something deeper and more stirring, providing a perfect segue into the rest of the evening.
The Whispering Tree took to the stage next. The fullness and deepness of their sound was astounding when the simplicity of their setup was considered. Eleanor and Elie were accompanied on stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar, a keyboard and the instrument of voice, yet their musical influence filled the entirety of the room. The strength of Eleanor’s vocals throughout her incredible range was further amplified by soulful and insightful lyrics. The perspective these two have garnered from their travels and experiences as they have explored the world and shared their music comes through in the words of their songs. With their powerful words and voices, The Whispering Tree takes you on a journey with them—their minor-tinged melodies leading the way.
The last act to hit the stage was Rachel Roberts. She was joined by the guitar and vocals of Ryan Beke. Rachel’s smooth and sultry, bluesy style infected the audience, drawing them in to her performance. Her powerful voice and incredible stage presence was even further amplified by the addition of Ryan Beke and the strength of his individual sound. They shared the spotlight, obviously connecting and enjoying their time on stage together, switching between her songs and ones of his creation. Ryan Beke was a member of the group she played with when Rachel first added a full band to her repertoire. They are back; working together again after many years, and it is pure pleasure for all who bear witness.
Every moment of this Saturday night was filled with incredible music that was backed by the authenticity of the performers. In every song and in every note, each musician who presented themselves on stage gave the audience a piece of themselves. It was The Whispering Tree that may have initiated this line up, but they fell right in line with the spirit of Wilbert’s – good music, good times and good spirit.
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