Bon Iver with Special Guest Kathleen Edwards

DOWNTOWN - Located in the burgeoning Dallas Arts District, The Winspear Opera House is a must-see location for music and architecture lovers alike. A gorgeous red exterior serves as a perfect shell for the indoor concert hall. The 2,200 seat circular venue was sold out on this warm September night. 

The opening act, Kathleen Edwards (who not so surprisingly is the girlfriend to Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon) started the concert on a stellar note, filling the venue with her beautiful voice and singing the perfect combination of sweet and somber tunes. Ms. Edwards and her two fellow musicians served as a perfect primer for the night, but once the curtain rose for Bon Iver, it was obvious to everyone that this evening was going to be anything but slow and sultry.

The audience was treated to a 9-piece band with an array of instruments, replete with a giant bass saxophone and two drum kits. Before the show, we were warned by signs throughout the lobby that bright flashing lights were to be used throughout the performance. It was true. The set began with a beautiful light display serving as backdrop to a loud, vibrant rendition of "Perth", the first track on his recent release, Bon Iver. By night's end, Vernon had played every song from Bon Iver while sprinkling in a mix of older favorites. However, concert-goers familiar with the setlist were kept on their toes with occasional song variations. With the help of the 9-piece, the live version of "Blood Bank" considerably sped up whereas the crowd-favorite "Flume" maintained its simplicity with Vernon's soft guitar riffs and angelic, falsetto voice. Every musician played numerous instruments, which truly shed light on their skill and versatility. It was truly undeniable.

After a quick break for the encore, the crowd (then standing) grew mesmerized by Bon Iver's performance of "Skinny Love". What made this selection stand out from the rest of the show (or the album version for that matter) was that nearly every member shared two microphones, singing backup and clapping while Vernon led with the guitar.

From the Dallas Arts District to Vernon's Wisconsin home, we were taken on a ride last night.

-Caroline Schupp

Winspear Opera House

AT&T Performing Arts Center

2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX

photo courtesy of Hypetrak