I had bought my tickets in advance, pumped to see Chole Kimes accompanied by her fiddle player (Cat McDonald). As I walked into the Rumba Café, maneuvering through the dimly lit venue, my shoes stuck to the floor. At the bar, I was greeted by a kindly bartender, backlit by an Elvis Presly lamp. The bathroom was filled with the usual graffiti, stickers, and phone number of someone’s ex. The audio equipment was sketchily set up at best. The Columbus fire marshal has surely never paid them a visit. But isn’t this the best kind of venue?
As I settled in and got a drink I waited for the opener to take the stage. The opening act was not really my style but seemed to have a strong local following. And, as they performed, I didn’t particularly grow to be a fan of their musical stylings, featuring a kazoo that was reminiscent of a 3rd grade recorder concert. After being traumatized by the opening act I was more than ready for Chloe and Cat to take the stage. I was not disappointed! I would describe this performance as a breakout tour de force. Chole captivated the crowd with not only her voice but also her complex and rich story telling. With each song it seemed like she was reliving the exact moment in which she wrote the song. Cat McDonald, her fiddle player, is so incredibly talented you could have sworn she went to Georgia and made a wager with the devil. Cat displayed both the precision of an orchestral violinist, and the soul of an 85-year-old blue grass musician.
Chloe talked about the story behind a few of her songs and promised that a new album was forthcoming. The song that really stuck with me was called Triton V8, which will be featured on her upcoming album. This song alludes to their tour van that takes them all over the country and all the laughs and troubles along the way. Chloe paints a vivid picture of life behind the windshield of her Triton V8 van. She also played one of my favorite songs, Stand to Gain—a song that I steadfastly believe encapsulates her as an artist. The song so eloquently explains that she has nothing to lose and only stands to gain by sharing her stories and her musical journey. The rawness of all of the ups and downs of being an independent artist on the road trying to get break through. I recommend to anyone that they should check out her music even if country and fiddle would normally turn you off. Her voice and storytelling backed by Cats fiddle playing brings a sense of simpler times and music that you can get lost in.
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