This was the second time I saw Rubblebucket perform at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor. With only a few audience members singing along the first time, I was very surprised to see the dance floor packed with fans on Saturday night.
It isn’t abnormal to hear fans parade their adoration, however, the devotion shown for the band’s front woman, Kalmia Traver, was like none other. While wearing a costume made entirely of metallic streamers, Kalmia exuded charisma that had the crowd in the palm of her hand. The level of audience participation was extraordinary, and this was apparent when every member in the crowd helped sing Rubblebucket’s classic song, “Pain from Love.”
This concert seemed more like party that only we were invited to. And this party was not without its bells and whistles, as the band showered the audience with confetti and giant-sized balloons. In fact, one of Rubblebucket’s horn players, Alex Toth, wished the entire audience a happy birthday, which goes to show that this concert was a true celebration of their fans.
Anyone who had the pleasure to see them perform that night knew how I felt when it was time to go home. I was sad to leave but this concert became a cathartic sonic experience because after the band played I felt like I had left all the stress we feel in everyday life back on the dance floor.
