Contributed by Josh Fryfogle
Despite the technical difficulties early on in their set, the group powered through, making me forget all about any delay that might, or might not, have even happened. The band’s professional preparedness would not be overshadowed by some gremlins in the gear.
This group has an energy, and it seems to be wrapped around the songwriting craft of Adam Patterson, who left lots of room for his band on the stage at the Palmer City Alehouse. There is a clear respect among the group, each member for the other, and that is the magic that must be driving the band’s brand in the local music scene.
After a full day of running sound on the neighboring stage for the Palmer Museum Garden & Art Faire, I was glad to find a seat and simply enjoy a set from the most noticeable original band in the lower Mat-Su. I’ve heard Adam on his own before, singing his well-crafted, original tunes, and have always found myself singing along. It was nice to find those familiar melodies, but with a full band backing them up, lending appropriate dynamics without changing their raw spirit.
Meanwhile, Adam’s daughter ate Cheetos and danced and danced and danced. When her dad was about to start, she looks at the group of us spectators and exclaims, “It’s time!”, jaunting out towards her dad’s domain, watching her feet as they stomped in rhythm with her father’s heart.
The group was tight, the tunes were practiced but impassioned, leaving the crowd ready for the next performer. Unfortunately, I was unable to stick around for the full set from the John Budnik Band, but as I left, the rest of the crowd stayed. It was a perfect way to end a perfect day, in downtown Palmer, Alaska.
