Merlefest, Part 5, Harper and Midwest Kind

There were a few bands at Merlefest that I heard for the first time, but I only fell head over heels for one, Harper and Midwest Kind.  I'm not sure if I'm supposed to refer to Harper and Midwest Kind as "them" or "him" because it does appear that Harper, the lead singer, is the beef in this dish. From the biography on his website, it's really all about Harper, his unique vision and toolbox of skills.

Rachel and I first heard Harper and Midwest Kind while we were having lunch in the food vendors' tent next to the main stage. We noticed that whoever was on stage sounded great. Harper and Midwest Kind have a funky bluesy sound that includes the didgeridoo and harmonica.  Harper sports subtle charisma and their music is fresh and energetic. We made a point of going to see them on a different stage later in the afternoon so we could give them our full attention.  Without a plate of rice and beans to distract me, I confirmed that Harper and Midwest Kind are in fact, as Martha Stewart would say, a good thing.

Here are some videos of Harper and Midwest Kind from Merlefest. They don't really do their sound justice, but you can get the idea.

The following is not a video from Merlefest. "Does Anybody Really Care" is a song about the Aboriginal people who taught Harper how to play the didgeridoo.

Here's another non-Merlefest video. I really like this song. There Must Be a Place.

Following their afternoon concert, we passed on the opportunity to attend a workshop where Harper taught the didgeridoo. The masses were becoming aggressive in their pursuit of seating at the Hillside Stage for "Album Hour" (to be covered in another post) and we were afraid to give up our spot. This was a miscalculation on our part. I think we missed out and should have hung out with Harper for another few minutes.



Harper and Midwest Kind are playing at Papa Mojos Roadhouse in Durham on June 25th. I highly recommend seeing them if they come to your area. They put on a great show.