Martin Sexton’s Winter Tour 2019 with special guest Chris Trapper SOLD OUT show at the Greenwich Odeum. Of course I wasn’t going to miss that! Whenever Martin Sexton is within a 60 mile radius from me I’m going to be there, for sure!
Martin Sexton’s acoustic music, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics brings me so much joy and puts me in a calm, tranquil state of mind. Rolling Stone wrote, “His outstanding taste in songwriting, as well as, a soul marinated voice that can easily be compared to the likes of the young Steve Winwood or Van Morrison.”
That’s exactly the type of music you’ll hear when listening to Martin Sexton Radio on Pandora. In addition to Martin’s many folk/country/bluesy songs, you’ll also hear hits by Van Morrison “Tupelo Honey” and “Into The Mystic,” as well as, others by Dave Matthews, Ed Sheeron, Cold Play and more! It’s great, easy listening on Saturday afternoon while relaxing at home or anytime you want harmonious music to quiet down your busy mind.
I never miss an opportunity to spend an evening in Martin Sexton’s company. I look forward to his concert under the big tent at Jonathan Edwards Winery every summer. With a packed picnic, a bottle of wine and my husband by my side it’s a romantic summer evening we never miss!
When I saw Martin Sexton’s Winter Tour was making it’s last stop in East Greenwich, RI I was psyched! I had never heard of The Greenwich Odeum. A quick google search brought up information on a quaint little theater that originally opened in the 1920’s as The Greenwich Theater, hosting performers and picture shows before becoming a movie theater until it closed it’s doors in 1990.
A few years later the theater reopened as The Greenwich Odeum, a performing arts venue until, once again, it closed it’s doors; this time due to strict new fire codes and costly upgrades required by the State of Rhode Island after a fatal nightclub fire in West Warwick. The theater remained abandoned until a grant was received which allowed the theater the opportunity to become fire code compliant.
Since 2013 the theater has brought top-notch entertainment for all ages to this small shoreline community. This was my first visit to The Odeum and certainly won’t be my last. The 410 seat theater was quaint and provided everyone with a great view of the show. I was lucky to be in the front row (don’t ask how that happened) with good friends just a few rows back. I like to be right up front at Martin Sexton’s shows so I can feel connected and, that’s right, provide background vocals! {wink}
I was not very familiar with Chris Trapper’s music so that afternoon I made sure to listen to his top 10 favorites (per You Tube.) “Keg on my Coffin” was catchy and fun. I hoped he would include it in his set and encourage a sing-along at the show. I had the verse memorized and was prepared to sing the chorus just in case!
A Sunday evening performance in East Greenwich, RI was not complete without dinner, of course! Any opportunity to dine at Siena whether on Federal Hill or in East Greenwich was not going to be missed. I made a reservation via Open Table (I love that app) and it was a good thing because the restaurant was hopping! Who knew so many people would be dining at 5:00 on a Sunday night?
First up…a pear martini please! I love pear martinis and Siena’s are the best (Michael Jordan’s Sport 23 is a close runner up.) We hadn’t eaten breakfast or lunch so we quickly ordered Siena’s Polpette Grande to share – extra-large meatball topped with San Marzano marinara and a scoop of ricotta cheese garnished with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese & fresh basil. The meatball was a meal in itself. And who could resist the crab cake appetizer special? We ordered that, as well.
Mike took me by surprise when he ordered a chicken dish. Pollo Con Risotto Zucca- Two semi-boneless chicken breasts marinated with honey, lemon, wine and garlic, grilled and finished with a honey and lemon glaze served over a savory pumpkin risotto. The chicken was so tender and juicy and the sweetness of the pumpkin risotto was to die for with the honey glaze.
Myself, I continued with the pear theme…Maiale Con Pere – Center cut pork chop marinated in garlic and amaretto, grilled and topped with pear, almond, brown sugar and an amaretto glaze. I love the sweet flavor of amaretto and could eat just about anything with amaretto drizzled on top! It was like having dinner and dessert at the same time.
We finished dinner leaving just enough time for Mike to enjoy a glass of Salted Caramel Gelato while I savored an Italiano Coffee with Amaretto Liqueur, whipped cream and shaved chocolate! Now that was a nice final touch to fabulous dinner!
The show was just about to start when we arrived. We scurried down to our seats in the front row and could hear our friends say, “Of course Jayne’s in the front row!” (For those of you that don’t know I’m also known around town as “Jayne.”) We laughed, snapped some pics and were excited to be sitting near each other.
Mike really wanted me to have a Winter Tour 2019 poster so being the saint that he is, he ran to an ATM down the road to get some cash and purchased the last poster; the poster that had been on display throughout the tour. I wish he had bought the Glory Bound pin, as well. I just love that VW bus! He was back in his seat in no time. Then it began!
Chris Trapper took the stage playing songs I was familiar with from listening that afternoon. “This Time” and “Into the Bright Lights,” two of his most well-known songs quickly became favorites of mine. He sang and spoke with a soft tender voice capturing the audience’s attention with his charm and wit. Chris ended his short set with, you guessed it, “Keg on My Coffin” and there I sat in my front row seat singing every word! (I wonder if he heard me!) Both Mike and I really enjoyed listening to Chris’s music and will be sure to watch for future local appearances. Another talented singer songwriter to add to our collection of favorites!
Martin Sexton was given a warm welcome by what he often refers to as “his church.” Although he mentioned his throat was sore that didn’t stop him from yodeling and he sure hit those high notes throughout the evening…Wow! Martin had no specific set list planned and did his best to please the crowd by honoring the requests that were shouted out, such as, “Glory Bound,” “Freedom of the Road,” “Angeline,” “Black Sheep,” etc. He told stories of his childhood and shared his love for his mother and family in between songs and his lyrics told stories during the songs. One of the special moments of the evening for me was when he sang “Friends Again.” The lyrics touched my heart as I could relate them to a similar situation in my life. I shed a few tears then quickly returned to my clapping, singing and my attempt to yodel! In fact, I think he heard me yodeling a few times, haha!
The encore was upbeat and fun. Martin played his grandpa’s banjo and Chris accompanied him on the guitar. They stepped off the stage and placed themselves in the center of “the church.” We were invited to join in as they sang a mix of christian folk hymns such as “A Man of Constant Sorrow,” “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “This Little Light of Mine” and “Amazing Grace.” This delightful, pleasant feeling of content is the feeling he leaves me with at every show and lasts for days. I invite you to join Mike and I for a picnic under the big tent this summer at Jonathan Edwards Winery so you, too, can appreciate Martin Sexton and experience that peaceful-loving feeling. After all we need more peace in the world.
Out and About Allie 